Kombucha as a Health-Beneficial Drink for Human Health

Kombucha is a unique fermented beverage made from a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. Kombucha is normally based on black tea added to water, then sugar is added as a substrate for fermentation in this beverage. This unique beverage is composed of amino acids, flavonoids, vitamins, and some active enzymes. Several beneficial health effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial effects have been reported as a result of probiotics and prebiotics presence. These health effects of kombucha are attributed to its bioactive chemical and biological agents of probiotics bacteria e.g., Gluconobacter, Acetobacter and yeasts like Saccharomyces sps., along with glucuronic acid as the main sources of the health protection. This review focuses on the beneficial effects of Kombucha including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer antidiabetic properties, as well as liver protection, treat of gastrointestinal problems, AIDS, gastric ulcers, obesity (and energy production), detoxification, and skin health.

Fracture analysis of healthy and osteoporotic femora using clinical CT images, phantomless densitometry, and linear FE method

Computational fracture analysis has become a growing branch of orthopedic research. Particularly, the associated methods provide reliable tools for the analysis of 3D CT-based models of bone. This paper reports the results of such analyses for 15 human femora (healthy and osteoporotic) under different loading orientations (85 different analysis cases). A new method was developed for the calculation of the density distribution in the models from ordinary clinical CT images without calibration phantom. This method, along with a strain-energy-based linear finite element (FE) analysis scheme, was used to predict the fracture strength and pattern of 10 cadaveric femora, for which the mechanical testing results and calibrated FE models were already available. The very good agreement and consistency between different sets of results showed the reliability and accuracy of the new density calibration method, as well as the linear analysis scheme. Accordingly, the method was applied to five new clinical images, gathered from two clinics that used different scanners with different protocols. The strength and fracture pattern of each one of these specimens were analyzed under 15 different loading conditions. A consistent behavior was found for variation of the fracture load and pattern of all specimens with the loading orientations, while very clear contrasts were observed between the strength amplitudes of healthy and osteoporotic specimens. The proposed methods can be easily applied to ordinary daily (even archived) clinical CT scans to conduct fast and reliable fracture analysis of human femora for general bone research and opportunistic studies of osteoporosis and trauma.

Improvement of performance and sensitivity of 2D and 3D image reconstruction in EIT using EFG forward model

This paper presents a pure element-free Galerkin method (EFGM) forward model for image reconstruction in 2D and 3D electrical impedance tomography (EIT) using an adaptive current injection method. In EIT systems with the adapting current injection method, both static and dynamic images can be reconstructed; however, determination of electrode contact impedances in the complete electrode model is difficult and the Gap model is used. In this paper, in the EIT forward problem a weak form functional based on the Gap model and a pure EFGM approach are developed, and in the EIT inverse problem, Jacobian matrix is computed by the EFGM, and a fast integration technique is introduced to calculate the entries of the Jacobian matrix within an adequate computation time. The influence of increasing the density of nodes at and near the electrodes with steep electric potential gradients on the accuracy of FEM and EFGM forward solutions is investigated, and the performance of the image reconstruction algorithm with the proposed fast integration technique is examined. The numerical results reveal that the proposed EFGM forward model with the fast integration technique has an efficient performance both in terms of mean relative imaging errors and computational time.

On the icephobicity of damage-tolerant superhydrophobic bulk nanocomposites

To address the increase in demand for superhydrophobic and icephobic surfaces with greater mechanical robustness, we fabricated damage-tolerant, abrasion-insensitive, and icephobic superhydrophobic bulk nanocomposites using a facile, cost-effective, industrially applicable, and environmentally benign strategy. We prepared nanocomposites composed of high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber through the highly controlled incorporation of nanosized fumed silica and microsized aluminum trihydrate particles. The produced nanocomposites did not require additional processing, such as sand abrasion or plasma treatment, to acquire their superhydrophobic properties. The extended roughness throughout the whole bulk of the nanocomposites imparted the volumetric superhydrophobicity and resistance to mechanical damage. The presence of micro-nanoparticles also enhanced the thermal stability and icephobic properties of the silicone rubber. The icephobic behavior of the developed nanocomposites was assessed based on freezing delay and push-off tests both of which denoted improved icephobic properties, i.e., high freezing delay time and low ice adhesion strength. We verified the extended duration of superhydrophobicity within the bulk nanocomposite using sandpaper abrasion, severe cutter scratching, tape peeling, and water-jet impacts. This study represents the first evaluation, to the best of our knowledge, of the icephobic properties of both the surface and bulk of the produced nanocomposite subjected to several cycles of sandpaper abrasion. Interestingly, even after multiple abrasion cycles, the samples demonstrated considerably low ice adhesion strength confirming their bulk icephobicity. In a nutshell, our findings are very promising for the fabrication of mechanically robust icephobic materials.

Computed tomographic features of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in three groups of Iranian patients: A single center study

Introduction and objectives

The pivotal role of chest computed tomographic (CT) to diagnosis and prognosis coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still an open field to be explored. This study was conducted to assess the CT features in confirmed cases with COVID-19.

Materials and methods

Retrospectively, initial chest CT data of 363 confirmed cases with COVID-19 were reviewed. All subjects were stratified into three groups based on patients’ clinical outcomes; non-critical group (n = 194), critical group (n = 65), and death group (n = 104). The detailed of CT findings were collected from patients’ medical records and then evaluated for each group. In addition, multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors according to CT findings in three groups of patients with COVID-19.

Results

Compared with the non-critical group, mixed ground-glass opacities (GGO) and consolidation lesion, pleural effusion lesion, presence of diffuse opacity in cases, more than 2 lobes involved and opacity scores were significantly higher in the critical and death groups (P < 0.05). Having more mixed GGO with consolidation, pleural effusion, lack of pure GGO, more diffuse opacity, involvement of more than 2 lobes and high opacity score identified as independent risk factors of critical and death groups.

Conclusion

CT images of non-critical, critical and death groups with COVID-19 had definite characteristics. CT examination plays a vital role in managing the current COVID-19 outbreak, for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, initial CT findings may be useful to stratify patients, which have a potentially important utility in the current global medical situation.

Computed tomographic features of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in three groups of Iranian patients: A single center study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The pivotal role of chest computed tomographic (CT) to diagnosis and prognosis coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still an open field to be explored. This study was conducted to assess the CT features in confirmed cases with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospectively, initial chest CT data of 363 confirmed cases with COVID-19 were reviewed. All subjects were stratified into three groups based on patients' clinical outcomes; non-critical group (n=194), critical group (n=65), and death group (n=104). The detailed of CT findings were collected from patients' medical records and then evaluated for each group. In addition, multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors according to CT findings in three groups of patients with COVID-19.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-critical group, mixed ground-glass opacities (GGO) and consolidation lesion, pleural effusion lesion, presence of diffuse opacity in cases, more than 2 lobes involved and opacity scores were significantly higher in the critical and death groups (P<0.05). Having more mixed GGO with consolidation, pleural effusion, lack of pure GGO, more diffuse opacity, involvement of more than 2 lobes and high opacity score identified as independent risk factors of critical and death groups.

CONCLUSION

CT images of non-critical, critical and death groups with COVID-19 had definite characteristics. CT examination plays a vital role in managing the current COVID-19 outbreak, for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, initial CT findings may be useful to stratify patients, which have a potentially important utility in the current global medical situation.

Geschichte der Hautklinik in Hildesheim

Die Ursprünge der Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie in Hildesheim liegen in einer dermatologischen Belegabteilung, die bereits 1929 in den sich ständig erweiternden Komplex des Städtischen Krankenhauses Hildesheim am Weinberg eingegliedert wurde.

Diese Belegabteilung wurde 1984 in eine hauptamtliche Hautklinik im Städtischen Krankenhaus umgewandelt. Im Januar 2005 erfolgte der Wechsel des Klinikums vom kommunalen zu einem privaten Träger. Das Gesamtklinikum ist 2011 in einen modernen Neubau an einem anderen Standort umgezogen.

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of Language Screening Test (LAST) for Patients in the Acute Phase of Stroke

Background & Objectives: Aphasia is one of the most common consequences of a stroke; thus, screening tests for early diagnosis of the problem are necessary when dealing with aphasia patients. One of these screening tests is the Language Screening Test (LAST). The purpose of this study was to translate, validate, and utilize this test in the Persian language for patients after stroke. Methods: The original version of LAST was translated into Persian, and then administrated on 100 patients in the acute phase by two examiners at the patient’s bedside in order to check the inter-rater reliability. To assess the agreement between the two forms (a and b) of the LAST, Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC), weighted Kappa, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used. Also, the Persian version of LAST and the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) were performed at the chronic phase with two independent examiners with blind scoring. Results: Inter-rater reliability between Rater 1 and Rater 2 on LAST-a and LAST-b score were very good for both phases. The CCC for LAST-a and LAST-b, respectively, were 0.874 and 0.865 for the acute phase and 0.923 and 0.927 for the chronic phase. The weighted Kappa for LAST-a and LAST-b, respectively, were 0.750 and 0.740 for the acute phase, and 0.822 and 0.846 for the chronic phase. Conclusion: The obtained results showed that LAST is a very simple, fast, and valid test and can be used as a reliable tool in stroke patients. Lack of cultural and language dependency are the advantages of using this test.

Translation, Validity, and Reliability of the Persian Version of Aphasia Rapid Test for Acute Stroke

Background & Objectives: Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that affects daily communication and quality of life. Early diagnosis and the treatment of aphasia are important. In this regard, one of the screening tests is the Aphasia Rapid Test (ART). This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of this test and extend the use of ART in the acute phase for patients with aphasia. Methods: The original version of ART was translated to Persian and 100 acute stroke patients were evaluated by ART. Besides, all the patients were assessed again after eight days by two independent raters to evaluate inter-rater reliability. Also, 70 patients were chosen to examine ART’s predictive ability; they were assessed using the Persian version of Western Aphasia Battery, after three months. Results: On day eight of the study, the Mean±SD ART was 11.26±2.03 for rater 1 and 11.44±2.04 for rater 2. Inter-rater reliability was good with the concordance correlation coefficient of 0.959 (95% CI: 0.939-0.972). Also, the Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between raters without any significant trend/bias. Conclusion: The ART is a test that includes features, such as reproducibility, predictability, and inter-rater reliability. This test is short and can be used in the acute phase of aphasia in patients with stroke.

Level of play and coach-rated game intelligence are related to performance on design fluency in elite soccer players

Executive brain functions are innate mechanisms for regulating behavior. While the impact of suboptimal executive functions has been characterized in patients, their contribution to individual success has not been elucidated. We set out to understand how executive functions relate to successful human behavior by examining their relation to game intelligence in sport - the ability to read a game and quickly adapt the behavior. In elite soccer players (n = 51), those playing in national teams (national team players) significantly outperformed those only playing at premier league level (premier league players) in Design Fluency (DF), a complex visuo-spatial executive function test that includes measures of creativity and cognitive flexibility. Their result showed a moderate correlation with coach rated game intelligence, remained also when correcting for low level cognitive capacity and was most evident when considering cognitive flexibility. DF capacity also correlated with number of assists made during the season but not with number of made goals during the same period, linking the fast planning of several steps in DF to fast planning of several steps in the soccer game. Altogether, our data suggests that DF capacity relates to success in soccer both on a subjective and on an objective level.

Grazing gradient detection and assessment in arid rangelands of central Iran using remote sensing and soil-vegetation characteristics

One key tool to manage fragile ecosystems in arid lands is knowledge of land degradation. For this purpose, field-based soil and vegetation characteristics were related to remote sensing information extracted from Landsat OLI moving standard deviation index (MSDI), normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) and modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI) in degraded (watering points and livestock camps) and reference sites of arid rangelands of Iran. Values of spectral indices along grazing gradients at a distance of 50–1500m from the centre of degradation were also extracted and analysed. Statistical analysis (t-test and ordination analysis) shows that MSDI is a sensitive index of landscape heterogeneity and, unlike other indices, exhibits a significant difference between degraded and reference sites. MSDI was sensitive to grazing gradients around watering points and livestock camps, and declined with increasing distance from these areas, although this varied between different sites due to grazing intensity and characteristics of soil and vegetation cover. Soil analysis showed that the amount of organic carbon, mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD) and soil stability indicator (SSI) at reference sites were significantly higher than those at degraded areas. Ordination analysis confirmed the results of t-test regarding the high potential capability of MSDI in separating degraded areas. This simple and practical index can be used to determine ecological thresholds and investigating rangeland condition in arid ecosystems.

Geometrically frustrated anisotropic four-leg spin-1/2 nanotube

We develop a real space quantum renormalization group (QRG) to explore a frustrated anisotropic four-leg spin-1/2 nanotube in the thermodynamic limit. We obtain the phase diagram, fixed points, critical points, the scaling of coupling constants and magnetization curves. Our investigation points out that, in the case of strong leg coupling, the diagonal frustrating interaction is marginal under QRG transformations and does not affect the universality class of the model. Remarkably, the renormalization equations express that the spin nanotube prepared in the strong leg coupling case goes to the strong plaquette coupling limit (weakly interacting plaquettes). Subsequently, in the limit of weakly interacting plaquettes, the model is mapped onto a 1D spin-1/2 XXZ chain in a longitudinal magnetic field under QRG transformation. Furthermore, the effective Hamiltonian of the spin nanotube inspires both first and second order phase transitions accompanied by the fractional magnetization plateaus. Our results show that the anisotropy changes the magnetization curve and the phase transition points, significantly. Finally, we report the numerical exact diagonalization results to compare the ground state phase diagram with our analytical visions.

Identification of polcalcin as a novel allergen of Amaranthus retroflexus pollen

INTRODUCTION

Amaranthus retroflexus (Redroot Pigweed) is one of the main sources of allergenic pollens in temperate areas. Polcalcin is a well-known panallergen involved in cross-reactivity between different plants. The aim of this study was the molecular cloning and expression of polcalcin, as well as evaluating its IgE-reactivity with A. retroflexus sensitive patients' sera.

METHODS

Allergenic extract was prepared from A. retroflexus pollen and the IgE-reactivity profile was determined by ELISA and immunoblotting using sera from twenty A. retroflexus sensitive patients. Polcalcin-coding sequence was amplified by conventional PCR method and the product was inserted into pET-21b(+) vector. The recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 and purified by metal affinity chromatography. The IgE-binding capability of the recombinant protein was analyzed by ELISA and immunoblotting assays, and compared with crude extract.

RESULTS

Of 20 skin prick test positive patients, 17 patients were positive in IgE-specific ELISA. Western blotting confirmed that approximately 53% of ELISA positive patients reacted with 10kDa protein in crude extract. The A. retroflexus polcalcin gene, encoding to 80 amino acid residues was cloned and expressed as a soluble protein and designated as Ama r 3. The recombinant polcalcin showed rather identical IgE-reactivity in ELISA and western blotting with 10kDa protein in crude extract. These results were confirmed by inhibition methods, too.

CONCLUSION

The recombinant form of A. retroflexus polcalcin (Ama r 3) could be easily produced in E. coli in a soluble form and shows rather similar IgE-reactivity with its natural counterpart.

Molecular analysis of PmrA and PmrB genes in colistin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains via PCR method

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common pathogens in hospitals. Along with the advent of various drug resistance patterns, rising resistance to colistin, the last alternative against this bacterium, is reported as a major clinical concern all over the world. Initially, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were identified by diagnostic tests including phenotypic method, growth at 42°C, Gram staining, culture on Blood Agar, EMB Agar, and biochemical oxidase, and catalase tests. The strains were confirmed using Microgen kit. Then, the resistance pattern of the identified strains was evaluated by Antibiogram. The presence of PmrA and PmrB genes were investigated by PCR method.A total of 60 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated and identified using microscopic, macroscopic and microbiological methods. The lowest resistance was observed against chloramphenicol and colistin antibiotics. Most of the strains harbored the PmrA and PmrB genes. The results of this study indicated an increasing trend in the resistance of the bacterium against different antibiotics. Accordingly, it is necessary to establish an infection control and therapeutic strategy in preventing the spread of such as similar resistant organisms.

Loschmidt Echo Revivals: Critical and Noncritical

A quantum phase transition is generally thought to imprint distinctive characteristics on the nonequilibrium dynamics of a closed quantum system. Specifically, the Loschmidt echo after a sudden quench to a quantum critical point-measuring the time dependence of the overlap between initial and time-evolved states-is expected to exhibit an accelerated relaxation followed by periodic revivals. We here introduce a new exactly solvable model, the extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, the Loschmidt echo of which provides a counterexample. A parallell analysis of the quench dynamics of the three-site spin-interacting XY model allows us to pinpoint the conditions under which a periodic Loschmidt revival actually appears.

Assessing the performance of remotely sensed landscape function indices in semi-arid rangelands of Iran

Appropriate rangeland management requires rangeland function analysis at broad scales. This study aimed to examine the potential of remotely sensed function indices extracted from Landsat data to evaluate the function of semi-arid rangelands in central Iran at the sub-basin scale. Three replicate 30-m transects were randomly placed in the dominant slope direction of 14 selected sub-basins. Various structural properties of vegetation (e.g. number and size of vegetation patches and interpatch lengths) and soil surface were scored based on the landscape function analysis (LFA) procedure. The obtained structural and function indices of the LFA, as well as field percent vegetation cover, were compared with the perpendicular distance vegetation index and remotely sensed function indices including proximity, lacunarity, leakiness index, and weighted mean patch size (WMPS). Remotely sensed function indices were found to be capable of discriminating rangeland landscapes with different conditions. Results showed that the structural properties of vegetation considered in the LFA could also be obtained through WMPS and proximity indices (R >0.76; P < 0.01). All indices, except for lacunarity, had significant correlations with percent vegetation cover and the strongest correlation was observed between WMPS and proximity. Our findings highlight the usefulness and efficiency of function indices derived from satellite data in the estimation of structural and functional properties of rangeland landscapes at the sub-basin scale.

Isolation of bacteriophages against multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Increasing multiple drug resistant (MDR) strains of Acinetobacter baumannii has aggravated curiosity in development of alternative therapy. Bacteriophages are often considered as alternative agents for controlling A. baumannii infections. In the present study two lytic phages for MDR A. baumannii were isolated and their efficacy and host ranges were evaluated. The phages were isolated from hospital wastewater. Electron microscopy revealed that IsfAB78 might belong to Myoviridae and IsfAB39 to Podoviridae. Initial characterization of phages showed that they have narrow host range and failed to infect relative and non-relative bacteria. Both phages decreased the A. baumannii turbidity significantly, indicating that these isolated phages may be considered as candidates for phage therapy.

Validation and development of MTH1 inhibitors for treatment of cancer

BACKGROUND

Previously, we showed cancer cells rely on the MTH1 protein to prevent incorporation of otherwise deadly oxidised nucleotides into DNA and we developed MTH1 inhibitors which selectively kill cancer cells. Recently, several new and potent inhibitors of MTH1 were demonstrated to be non-toxic to cancer cells, challenging the utility of MTH1 inhibition as a target for cancer treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human cancer cell lines were exposed in vitro to MTH1 inhibitors or depleted of MTH1 by siRNA or shRNA. 8-oxodG was measured by immunostaining and modified comet assay. Thermal Proteome profiling, proteomics, cellular thermal shift assays, kinase and CEREP panel were used for target engagement, mode of action and selectivity investigations of MTH1 inhibitors. Effect of MTH1 inhibition on tumour growth was explored in BRAF V600E-mutated malignant melanoma patient derived xenograft and human colon cancer SW480 and HCT116 xenograft models.

RESULTS

Here, we demonstrate that recently described MTH1 inhibitors, which fail to kill cancer cells, also fail to introduce the toxic oxidized nucleotides into DNA. We also describe a new MTH1 inhibitor TH1579, (Karonudib), an analogue of TH588, which is a potent, selective MTH1 inhibitor with good oral availability and demonstrates excellent pharmacokinetic and anti-cancer properties in vivo.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that in order to kill cancer cells MTH1 inhibitors must also introduce oxidized nucleotides into DNA. Furthermore, we describe TH1579 as a best-in-class MTH1 inhibitor, which we expect to be useful in order to further validate the MTH1 inhibitor concept.

EIT image reconstruction based on a hybrid FE-EFG forward method and the complete-electrode model

This paper presents the application of the hybrid finite element-element free Galerkin (FE-EFG) method for the forward and inverse problems of electrical impedance tomography (EIT). The proposed method is based on the complete electrode model. Finite element (FE) and element-free Galerkin (EFG) methods are accurate numerical techniques. However, the FE technique has meshing task problems and the EFG method is computationally expensive. In this paper, the hybrid FE-EFG method is applied to take both advantages of FE and EFG methods, the complete electrode model of the forward problem is solved, and an iterative regularized Gauss-Newton method is adopted to solve the inverse problem. The proposed method is applied to compute Jacobian in the inverse problem. Utilizing 2D circular homogenous models, the numerical results are validated with analytical and experimental results and the performance of the hybrid FE-EFG method compared with the FE method is illustrated. Results of image reconstruction are presented for a human chest experimental phantom.

Personality attributes of Iranian people who stutter

Two recent studies from Australia and Germany have both shown that people who stutter (PWS) have elevated Neuroticism scores on the widely used NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) compared to individuals in a control sample. The two studies showed opposite results, however, for the personality traits Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. One reason for these opposing findings could be that the two studies were conducted in different cultural settings. Given that the effect of different cultural background on the relationship between the NEO-FFI and stuttering remains an open question, we investigated the NEO-FFI scores from 98 PWS and an age- and sex-matched control-group from a less widely studied cultural background (Iran). Overall, the present study showed, in line with a study from Germany, higher Agreeableness, but not Neuroticism, in PWS compared to normally fluent controls. To get further insights into these findings, we also contrasted both samples from Iran with a healthy matched sample from Germany. The resulting cross-cultural differences from these analyses are also discussed in the present paper. Although the present study is limited by a cross-sectional design, and so no causal conclusions can be drawn, the authors discuss whether the replicated elevated Agreeableness scores in PWS might represent a self-defense mechanism to cope with one's own speech handicap.

Indirect role of microRNAs and transcription factors in the regulation of important cancer genes: A network biology approach

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although the mechanisms of gene regulation in cancer have been the subject of intense investigation during the last decades, the precise role of regulatory processes in cancer is largely unknown. More specifically, it is not completely understood how microRNAs and transcription factors regulate and influence the cancer-related processes. In the present study, using cancer-specific biological networks we examine the role of microRNAs and transcription factors (TFs) in regulation of important cancer genes. The importance measures which are used in this study consider both network structure information and biological data on miRNA- and TF-based gene regulation. By analyzing cancer-specific PPI, signaling and metabolic networks, it was shown that microRNAs and transcription factors tend to regulate those genes which are in the neighborhood of important components of cancer-specific PPI, signaling, and metabolic networks. The role of microRNAs was found to be particularly important, which confirms our previously-published results on the importance of microRNAs in detecting important network components. Moreover, we highlight that the miRNAs appear to apply their function via regulating the "neighbors" of important cancer genes, which implies their indirect role in cancer, and presumably, in fine-tuning the effect of other cancer-related genes.

Field evaluation of phostoxin and zinc phosphide for the control of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in a hyperendemic area, central Iran

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

ZCL is a growing threat in many rural areas of Iran which involves 17 out of 31 provinces. This study was conducted from April to November 2011 for evaluation of the efficacy of phostoxin and zinc phosphide against rodents.

METHODS

Rodent control operations were carried out using phostoxin and zinc phosphide. To evaluate the effect of rodent control operation on the main vector density, an entomological survey was carried out. The effects of the operation on the disease incidence were also evaluated.

RESULTS

After intervention, the reduction rate of rodent burrows was 32.68% in the village treated with phostoxin and 58.14% in the village treated with zinc phosphide. The number of rodent holes in the control area showed 6.66-fold increase at the end of the study. The incidence of the disease decreased to 19.23 and 11.40 in areas treated with phostoxin and zinc phosphide, respectively. A total of 4243 adult sandflies were collected and identified. The most common and dominant species was Phlebotomus papatasi. In the village treated with phostoxin, the density of P. papatasi in outdoors was lower than indoors. Nevertheless, the density of P. papatasi in the village treated with zinc phosphide was higher in outdoors.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

It is concluded that phostoxin is less effective and has low safety in comparison with zinc phosphide, so that this rodenticide can be used only in special situations such as lack or ineffective rodenticides and only in the colonies far from human and animal dwelling places in small scales.

Baseline insecticide susceptibility data of Phlebotomus papatasi in Iran

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) play main role in the transmission of different forms of leishmaniasis in the world. Phlebotomus papatasi is the main vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran. There are several control measures for vector control using different classes of insecticides. The aim of this study was to breed the sandflies which were collected from a hyperendemic focus of the disease in central Iran in the laboratory condition and to determine its baseline susceptibility to commonly used insecticides.

METHODS

Sandflies were collected from the field and were reared in insectary. Susceptibility tests were carried out on their generation. Baseline susceptibility of sandflies to DDT and pyrethroids was evaluated based on LT50 values. A total of 1305 specimens were tested using different time intervals. The LT50 and LT90 values were measured according to the WHO standard tests. The results were plotted using probit analysis and regression lines.

RESULTS

The results against female sandflies revealed the LT50 values of 1312.66, 253.66, 36.04, 9.38 and 6 sec to DDT (4%), permethrin (0.75%), deltamethrin (0.1%), cyfluthrin (0.15%) and lambda-cyhalothrin (0.05%), respectively. The figures for male sandflies were 1200.97, 310.10, 18.63, 6.08 and 0.77 sec respectively to the above insecticides.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study could help to provide a clue for implementation of currently used insecticides. Furthermore, a specific guideline is needed for monitoring and evaluation of insecticide susceptibility test against sandflies.

Comparative study on the effectiveness of coumavec® and zinc phosphide in controlling zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in a hyperendemic focus in central iran

BACKGROUND

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is an increasing health problems in many rural areas of Iran. The aim of this study was to introduce a new alternative rodenticide to control the reservoirs of ZCL, its effect on the vector density and the incidence of the disease in hyperendemic focus of Esfahan County, central Iran.

METHODS

The study was carried out from January 2011 to January 2012. In intervention areas, rodent control operation was conducted using zinc phosphide or Coumavec®. Active case findings were done by house-to-house visits once every season during 2011-2012. To evaluate the effect of rodent control operation on the vector density, sand flies were collected twice a month using sticky traps.

RESULTS

The reduction rate of rodent holes in intervention areas with Coumavec® and zinc phosphide were 48.46% and 58.15% respectively, whereas in control area results showed 6.66 folds intensification. The Incidence of ZCL significantly reduced in the treated areas. Totally, 3200 adult sand flies were collected and identified in the intervention and control areas. In the treated area with zinc phosphide, the density of Phlebotomus papatasi was higher in outdoors in contrast with the treated area by Coumavec® which the density of the sand fly was higher in indoors.

CONCLUSION

Both rodenticides were effective on the incidence of ZCL and the population of the reservoirs as well. Coumavec® seems to be effective on the outdoor density of the vector. This combination of rodenticide-insecticide could be a suitable alternative for zinc phosphide while bait shyness or behavioral resistance is occurred.

Dynamics of Leishmania infection rates in Rhombomys opimus (Rodentia: Gerbillinae) population of an endemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) due to Leishmania major is a great public health problem in the Old World. Leishmania major is widely distributed in populations of rodents in arid and savannah regions. In this study, seasonal variation of natural infection with Leishmania parasites in Rhombomys opimus (Rodentia: Gerbillinae) population of an endemic focus of ZCL in Iran was monitored. The study was conducted from October 2007 to October 2008 in the central part of the country. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used for the detection and identification of Leishmania parasites, and the results were confirmed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The results showed that Leishmania infection rate was 55.8% (29 out of 52 gerbils) using nested PCR. The highest and lowest Leishmania infection rates were observed in fall and summer, respectively. Gerbils that were found to be infected only with L. major were 5.8%, and that with Leishmania turanica were 23.1%. A mixed natural infection was seen in the rodents with L. major and L. turanica (21.2%), with L. major and L. gerbilli (1.9%), and with all the three species (3.9%). Leishmania major infection alone was seen in fall and winter whereas mixed infection of L. major and L. turanica was observed in all seasons except in summer. Leishmania turanica infection was observed throughout the year. It is concluded that L. major, L. gerbilli, and L. turanica circulate in the population of R. opimus in central part of Iran. Leishmania major infection is usually accompanied by L. turanica in naturally infected gerbils with the highest rate in fall. It is recommended that the role of L. turanica in the epidemiology and transmission of ZCL should be reconsidered.

Molecular epizootiology of rodent leishmaniasis in a hyperendemic area of iran

BACKGROUND

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is an expanding disease and public health problem in Iran. In the current study, natural Leishmania infection rate and seasonal fluctuation of the infection in Rhombomys opimus population of a hyperendemic focus of ZCL in Iran was investigated.

METHODS

The study was conducted from October 2006 to October 2008 in Esfahan Province, central part of Iran. An extensive sampling of rodents using Sherman traps was done in different seasons. Nested PCR assay was used for detection and identification of Leishmania species and the results were confirmed using PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

Leishmania infection rate was 58.6% (34 of 58) using nested PCR. 44.8% of the gerbils were infected only with L. turanica and 1.7% with L. gerbilli alone. A mixed natural infection with L. major and L. turanica was seen in 12.1% of the rodents. L. major infection alone was not seen in R. opimus population in the study area. The highest and lowest Leishmania infection rates were observed in fall and spring respectively. L. turanica infection was observed throughout the year whereas mixed infections with L. major and L. turanica was not seen in spring.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that in the study area, L. major, L. gerbilli and L. turanica circulate in the population of R. opimus. Leishmania major infection usually accompanied by L. turanica in naturally infected gerbils with the highest rate in fall. It is recommended that the role of L. turanica in the epidemiology and transmission of ZCL be revisited.

Geographical variation in populations of Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) caucasicus (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Iran

A comparative morphological and molecular study was carried out on 11 different populations of Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) caucasicus Marzinovsky 1917 caught in 7 provinces in Iran (2004-2005). Differences in the implantation level of the two distal spines of the style, the number of setae of the basal lobe of coxite, and the length of the third antennal segment, revealed the existence of two morphotypes within P. (Pa) caucasicus, a species having a confused history if we take into account an unclear synonymisation with Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) grimmi Porchinsky 1874. Sequencing of mtDNA (a fragment of cytchromeB gene, tRNA for serine gene and a fragment of NADH1 gene) and Neighbour-Joining analysis showed a partial correlation between morphotypes and haplotypes. We also found a correlation between the latter and the geographical origin of the specimens. These results need further studies in order to appreciate the role of each morphotype/haplotype in the transmission of Leishmania major.

Evaluation of vegetation indices for assessing vegetation cover in southern arid lands in South Australia

Vegetation indices are widely used for assessing and monitoring ecological variables such as vegetation cover, above-ground biomass and leaf area index. This study reviewed and evaluated different groups of vegetation indices for estimating vegetation cover in southern rangelands in South Australia. Slope-based, distance-based, orthogonal transformation and plant-water sensitive vegetation indices were calculated from Landsat thematic mapper (TM) image data and compared with vegetation cover estimates at monitoring points made during Pastoral Lease assessments. Relationships between various vegetation indices and vegetation cover were compared using simple linear regression at two different scales: within two contrasting land systems and across broader regional landscapes. Of the vegetation indices evaluated, stress related vegetation indices using red, near-infrared and mid-infrared TM bands consistently showed significant relationships with vegetation cover at both land system and landscape scales. Estimation of vegetation cover was more accurate within land systems than across broader regions. Total perennial and ephemeral plant cover was best predicted within land systems, while combined vegetation, plant litter and soil cryptogam crust cover was best predicted at landscape scale. These results provide a strong foundation for use of vegetation indices as an adjunct to field methods for assessing vegetation cover in southern Australia.

Epidemiological study in a new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Islamic Republic of Iran

An outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] in Sabzevar county prompted this study of the epidemiology and the ecology of vectors and reservoirs. Examination of 541 schoolchildren showed rates of 9.4% for scars and 5.9% for ulcers. Among 807 inhabitants of 4 villages, 10.4% had scars and 3.0% had active lesions. The most highly infected age group was 0-4 years with a rate of 5.9%. A total of 12 849 sandflies representing 7 species were collected in the study area. Leptomonad infection was found in Phlebotomus papatasi, P. caucasicus and Sergentomyia sintoni. Parasites from man, P. papatasi and Rhombomys opimus, were isolated and characterized as Leishmania major. Based on this survey, this is an epidemic of zoonotic CL, with R. opimus the main reservoir host, and P. papatasi the main vector

Epidemiological study in a new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Islamic Republic of Iran

An outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sabzevar county prompted this study of the epidemiology and the ecology of vectors and reservoirs. Examination of 541 schoolchildren showed rates of 9.4% for scars and 5.9% for ulcers. Among 807 inhabitants of 4 villages, 10.4% had scars and 3.0% had active lesions. The most highly infected age group was 0-4 years with a rate of 5.9%. A total of 12 849 sandflies representing 7 species were collected in the study area. Leptomonad infection was found in Phlebotomus papatasi, P. caucasicus and Sergentomyia sintoni. Parasites from man, P. papatasi and Rhombomys opimus, were isolated and characterized as Leishmania major. Based on this survey, this is an epidemic of zoonotic CL, with R. opimus the main reservoir host, and P. papatasi the main vector.

Failing to conceive with in vitro fertilization: the Middle Eastern experience

This paper examined the psychological aspects of failing to conceive with in vitro fertilization on 14 treated infertile and 14 untreated Iranian patients. Analysis suggests that, although a significant amount of psychological discomfort is associated with being infertile, the fact that patients have endured unsuccessful treatment cycles does not seem to aggravate the situation any further. Perhaps undergoing unsuccessful IVF treatment cycles could be a psychologically positive epilogue in closing the book on infertility treatment.