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Zagros forests have the greatest impact on soil and water protection in western Iran. Despite this, a significant part of these forests, especially in Ilam province, have suffered a lot due to the phenomenon of oak decline. The first and most fundamental thing a person must know when combating this issue is the distribution of these areas in forests. Therefore, using the parameters affecting the decline in the forests of Ilam province and based on fuzzy logic, a map of susceptible to oak decline areas was prepared. In this study, the parameters of temperature and precipitation, slope, aspect, altitude, distance from farmlands, roads and forest density were selected as effective parameters and fuzzy gamma overlap method was used. The results showed that more than 77% of the oak forests in the province are highly and extremely susceptible to the decline. This confirms the need for rapid action to plan and protect these forests. In addition, the fuzzy method is proposed, which is considered as a fast and efficient method in preparing such maps for other areas.

Introduction: Emotional divorce as a social damage is the first step in the process of divorce and represents a destabilizing marital relationship that enhances the feeling of alienation in couples and affects the general health and mental health of family members. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between general health and emotional divorce in couples referred to Ilam Family Counseling Center. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 217 individuals referred to Ilam Family Counseling Center were recruited through simple random sampling. The standard questionnaire of emotional divorce and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean and standard deviation, Pearson correlation, t-test methods and one-way ANOVA. Findings: The mean age of the couples in this study was 36.69 ±17.85 years. The mean score of emotional divorce and general health were 39.48±6.25 and 40.34±10.12, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between emotional divorce and general health and its dimensions (P=0.01). Also, there was a significant relationship between emotional divorce with variables of age (P=0.01) and gender (P=0.03) and education (P=0.02). Discussion & Conclusions: Overall, Considering the relationship between general health and emotional divorce and the relationship between these two factors, improving factors related to general health and mental health in the family, such as developing programs to educate and inform the mental health components and provide the necessary framework for enhancing relationships between couples with emphasis on Health factors can have a direct effect on emotional divorce.

Introduction: Disability is an unavoidable fact which has been existed as a social phenomenon in communities from the past until now. There are different reasons for the emergence of this phenomenon which can be identified and prevented, thereby lowering the incident rate of disability in communities. This descriptive-analytical study aimed at investigating the causes of disability among adolescents under 14 years of age in Ilam, Iran. Materials & Methods: This study included 694 participants (336 males and 270 females) who were selected using a census sampling method. The data were collected through a researcher-made questioner, and subsequently, they were analyzed using descriptive (i.e., Frequency and Frequency percent) and inferential statistics (i.e., the Chi-square test). Findings: The results showed that consanguineous marriage, congenital factors, literacy, and gender correlated significantly with disability (P

Introduction: Supply chain management in healthcare sector is of utmost importance due to its effect on individuals’ health status compared to other industries. In the current world economic situation wherein logical thinking should be based on lifetime costs of products ,as well as supply chain sources and processes, it is essential to have an agile supply chain to have a socio-environmental performance creating competitive advantage. Materials & Methods: This study was a survey with a correlational design considering its methodology and purpose. The statistical population of this study included the staff of public hospitals in Ilam province, Iran; of which, 340 individuals were selected as the participants based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size determination table. Moreover, the SPSS Statistics Software and LISREL Software were used to analyze the data in this study. Findings: The statistic of the Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) index was equal to 0.844 implying sampling adequacy. Moreover, all the factors affecting supply chain agility had a normal distribution and the test statistic was larger than 1.96 for all the factors, suggesting their relationship with supply chain agility. The positive correlation between supply chain agility and competitive advantage was further confirmed based on the research findings.Additionally,the value of the goodness of fit index (GFI=0.96) showed the fit of the model and the test statistic of the model (T=9.60) revealed the significant impact of supply chain agility on creating the competitive advantage. Discussion & Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrated that the seven dimensions of computer-based technologies, flexibility, relationships with suppliers, use of modern technologies, collaborative partnerships, sensitivity to market, and responsiveness of demands had effects on supply chain agility in hospitals. Moreover, public hospitals in Ilam Province were endowed with competitive advantage in three dimensions of durability and permanence, retention, and opportunities; however, they lacked competitive advantage in the dimension of individuals’ unique capabilities.

Introduction: Technological advancements and increased production of cars and motorcycles have led to the increased incidence of traumas all around the world. Injuries and fractures occur due to different etiologic factors such as motor vehicle accidents, quarrels, and fall accidents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of fractures in computed tomography (CT) scans in Emergency Department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, Iran, in 2014. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, we evaluated the medical records of all trauma patients who were admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam during 2014. Information from patients' medical records and CT scan radiographs were recorded in a checklist. After removing duplicate data, 710 patients were evaluated. Findings: In this study, 52% (75% male and 25% female) of the fracture cases due to motor vehicle accidents were aged 18-26 years. The most frequent etiologic factor was accident (62.9%) and the most frequent trauma type was hand and foot trauma in males (39.1%) and females (38.4%), followed by head and neck trauma in males (32.7%) and females (22.1%). Most of the fractures had occurred in the first half of 2014, and the mortality rate due to fracture was 1.3%. Discussion & Conclusions: This study showed that the most frequent etiologic factor of trauma is motor vehicle accident similar to other developing countries. Therefore, providing education in this area and increasing the safety of transport systems are essential.

Objective: Suicide is a preventable social harm in the field of health. The present study aimed to design a prediction model for suicide incidence based on Box-Jenkins model in Ilam province. Method: Using a retrospective method all completed and attempted suicide data were collected during 1993-2013. Then, using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, the time series analysis of the Box-Jenkins model was conducted to predict suicide status in the coming years (2014-2015). Results: According to the actual results obtained from the suicide data in 2014, a total of 1078 suicides were recorded and compared to the predicted results, according to the fitted model of the time series, which showed the selected model predicted 931 suicide cases, showing 86% accuracy of prediction. The series’ prediction indicated 931 suicides in 2014 with a negative growth rate of 25.3% compared to 2013 and 969 suicide cases in 2015 with a positive growth rate of 3.93% compared to 2014. Conclusion: The results of this study showed the designed model provides a high diagnostic value to predict suicide rates. These types of models can help to predict suicide in future and plan to control and prevent suicide attempts.

Purpose Reminiscence has a positive role in improving memory performance. It may increase the attention of the older adults to themselves, helping them to cope with the crises and the process of aging. We aimed to investigate the impacts of memory recalling, sharing life experiences and stories confidently from the past on promoting numerous domains of quality of life (QoL), among institutionalized older people in the Ilam province of Iran. Methods The study was carried out, using a quasi-experimental approach (a pre- and post-one group design). The statistical population consisted of all older people who were institutionalized in nursing homes. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 potential participants were recruited, and the status of QoL was assessed, using the Iranian short-form health survey (SF-36) and face to face interviews. Then, eight sessions were designed and implemented. The participants expressed their memories such as bitter and sweet memories at various periods of life, and finally, the QoL of the participants was re-evaluated according to the same questionnaire, three months after the intervention. Results There was a significant difference between the scores of pre- and post-intervention in most of the sub-scales of QoL, including physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health. Conclusion Reminiscence may, in certain circumstances, be an effective care option for people living in long-term care with the potential to impact positively on the QoL of residents.

Long- term exposure to street dust because of the potential toxicity of heavy metals can cause harmful effects on the human's health by inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. In this study, 25 dust samples were collected from the sidewalks of the main streets of Ilam and analyzed by inductively coupled spectroscopy (ICP- OES) method. The mean concentration of the studied metals was: Pb (58.80), Zn (213.24), Cu (63.12), Cr (45.84), Cd (0.37), Ni (43.73) V (30.92) and As (5.00) (mg / kg). Based on the average value of the potential ecological risk (Er), the heavy metals of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and V had a low ecological risk and Cd showed a moderate one. The highest non- carcinogenic risk (HQ) in children and adults was related to As through ingestion and Cr through the dermal contact pathway; on the other hand, the lowest amount was due to the Cd via the inhalation. Cumulative non- carcinogenic hazard (HI) of all heavy metals in the street dust have been found to be higher for children rather than adults. In both age groups, Cr and Pb had the highest and lowest risk of carcinogenicity (RI), respectively. The obtained results, therefore, indicate that the main source of heavy metals in the study area is anthropogenic sources such as traffic, industrial facilities and fossil fuels burning.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the contrast perception of obstacles in a tunnel entrance which was placed in Ilam Province, Iran. Methods: An obstacle with the reflection coefficient of 20% was mounted at the entrance of thetunnel and then, the car was placed near the tunnel entrance and the intrinsic luminance of the road (Lr,intrinsic) and obstacle (Lo,intrinsic) were measured inside the car using the luminance meter. Results: Intrinsic luminance of obstacle and road at the entrance of the tunnel were measured as 41 and 17 cd/m2, respectively. The contrast perception of obstacle in deriver’s eyes and in the safe stopping distance (SSD) from the tunnel entrance was determined as 2.79 cd/m2. At the entrance of the studied tunnel, the contrast perception of obstacles with the reflection coefficient of 20% was lower than the minimum contrast perception (28%) recommended by International Commission on Illumination. Conclusion: The main conclusion that can be drawn from it, is that this obstacle in the SSD from the tunnel entrance cannot be conceived by the drivers, which may lead to higher rate of road traffic crashes.

Introduction: Health promoting behaviors include behaviors that individuals pay to proper nutrition, regular exercise, keeping away from destructive behavior and drug, protection against accidents, early detection of physical symptoms, control of emotions, feelings and thoughts, coping with stress and psychological problems, adjustment and modification of interpersonal relationships in the social dimension. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 185 employees of Ilam University of Medical Sciences using Convenience Method in 2014. Data was collected through health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire (HPLP II) with dimensions including physical activities, stress management, spiritual growth, nutrition, health and interpersonal relationships responsibility. After data collection, the data entry was done using SPSS 21 statistical software and then analyzed through appropriate statistical tests of descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Linear Regression. In this study, the level of significance was less than 0.05. Findings: The mean score of promoting behavior among the employees was 130.47. The highest score was spiritual growth aspect and the lowest was physical activity aspect. Regression models of physical activity (P=0.006) and nutrition aspects (P=0.036) were significant with demographic variables. Discussion & Conclusions: According to the results of our study, physical activity score was lower than the other health promotion behaviors dimensions. More steps are suggested to be taken to determine the effective factors to improve the health promotion behaviors through impressive interventions among such a class of employees. &nbsp

Introduction: Theory of mind is one of the most important aspects of cognitive faculty. The theory of mind is impaired in individuals who suffer from mental disorders like autistic children. The ‘autistic-like’ behaviors also have been reported in the congenitally blind children. This study was conducted to examine the presence or absence of theory of mind and its function in congenitally blind children. Materials and methods: A number of 20 individuals containing 10 bilingual congenitally blind children from Baghcheban elementary school of Ilam city as a case group and 10 sighted ones as a control group were selected. Three kinds of false belief cognitive tests appropriate for the congenitally blind children were designed. The collected data were analyzed using one sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, independent t-test along with Levenn test and one-way and two-way Analysis of Variance. Results: Considering the performance of congenitally blind children in false belief tasks, the blindness just had effect on the story narration task (P0.05). Conclusion: The findings showed only the story narration task was affected by blindness, because this task was more dependent on visual sense. Therefore, blindness results in delay in evolution of theory of mind. To fix this delay, the congenitally blind children should be exposed to further tactile and olfactory inputs.

Background and Aim: The presence of various impurities including suspended solids, chemical compounds, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens can reduce the water quality and it has been increased the use of household water treatment plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of household water treatment plants on the microbial and chemical characteristics of drinking water in Ilam city. Materials & Methods: In this cross - sectional study, 50 household water treatment plants were randomly selected in all the regions of the Ilam city. The parameters of turbidity, pH, free residual chlorine, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), heterotrophic bacteria count (HPC) and fecal and total coliforms were measured in the inlet and outlet water samples of the household water treatment plants. Findings: The results showed that the removal efficiencies of free residual chlorine, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and turbidity by the household water treatment plants were 100, 70.44, 70.31 and 61.05%, respectively. The removal efficiency for total coliform was 21.61%. The finding also showed that the household water treatment plants had negative effects on the removal of heterotrophic bacteria and fecal coliforms, so that the number of these organisms in the outlet water samples was higher than of inlet. Conclusion: The results indicated that the household water treatment plants had not acceptable efficiency on the removal of microbial contamination and in many cases even increased the microbial contamination. The water treatment plants also eliminate all the free residual chlorine contents in the water that can be result in the secondary microbial contamination of the treated water.

Aims & Objectives:The aim of this studyisto evaluate genetic relatedness, antibiotic resistance pattern, and virulence characteristics of different types ofS. aureusisolated from air, surfaces, staff, and patients in a Public hospital in Ilam.Methods & Materials:A total of 88 of 140 staphylococci identified asS. aureusby conventional and molecular methods were used in this study. Isolate samples were obtained from surfaces, staff, patients, and hospital indoor air. The sampling from staff and surfaces was done through using swab and air by standard pump. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and presence different resistant and virulence determinants was assessed. Isolates were then typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and SCCmectyping methods.Results:Out of 88isolates, 36 of them (40.9%) were MRSA. Among MRSA isolates, the range of resistance to antibiotic was 0% in vancomycin to 83.3% in gentamycin. The most prevalent resistant genes among gentamicin resistantS. aureuswereacc (6')/aph (2”)Iaandaph(3”)IIIa. The most common erythromycin resistant gene wasermC. Surprisingly, SCCmectypes I (30.5%), II (25%)were highly distributed. PFGE analysis showed 33 different pulsotypes.Conclusion:This study confirms that different isolates of MSSA and MRSA circulate in Ilam which differ in antimicrobial susceptibility, content of resistance, and virulence determinants.

Background: The presence of heavy metals in water resources above threshold levels can be toxic and carcinogenic for consumers. This study determined the concentrations of heavy metals in the drinking water distribution network and resources of the city of Ilam in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study from 6 sources of water supply and also, different parts of the water supply system of Ilam city, samples were collected based on standard sampling methods. The samples were tested with a BRAIC atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The data was analyzed using nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Results: The concentration of zinc in all water sources of the city of Ilam was higher than WHO guidelines and Iranian standard 1053. Contamination by cobalt, arsenic and lead from Ilam dam, Pich-e Ashoori well and Haft Cheshmeh well was higher than national and international standards. The amount of cobalt and mercury at Ilam dam was significantly different from the levels at other sources (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of pesticides in the agricultural sector, contamination of water by human waste and aged and worn water pipes are the likely sources of the increased concentrations of heavy metals, especially lead and arsenic. Because there is a cumulative effect from these metals, appropriate measures are necessary by the relevant agencies to address this problem.

Background: Seasonality in suicide has been investigated from the early 19th century to explore the productive environmental variables. Seasonality studies can provide information on prevention and interventions in suicide. In this study, we examined seasonality in suicide and aimed to explore the differences in seasonality between rural and urban areas, mental disorders, and genders. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, overall identified suicide cases in Ilam province from 21 March 2010 and 11 December 2014 were identified, using systematic registration suicide data (SRSD). Two methods were used separately to analyze seasonality (Chisquare, Edwards' T). Seasonal effect (peak/ trough seasons) and (deaths/ attempts suicide) was explored by ratio statistics. The null hypothesis was that the completed suicides in each method group were evenly distributed over a year. Results: Significant seasonality was observed in suicide during the study period, with one peak in the spring and one in the winter. Our results showed that suicide seasonality following mental disorders was statistically significant with a peak in the spring, regardless of other factors such as gender and age. When all non- mental suicides are taken into account, the seasonality remains statistically significant, but the peak season is shifted to autumn. Conclusion: Investigating suicide in Ilam revealed a significant seasonality for both rural and urban areas, which was greater in the urban part. A significant seasonality in suicide was observed in attempters with mental disorders. In suicide attempters with mental disorders, findings showed two peaks in the spring and the autumn.

Introduction: Escherichia coli (E.coli) as a main cause of both nosocomial and community-acquired infections in humans have a relative potential to develop resistance. Nowadays, most infections caused by ESBL-producing E.coli (ESBLEC) had mostly been described as nosocomial acquired or nursing home related. In this study, we employed E-test assay to detect antibiotic resistance of E.coli strains and determine MIC of antibiotics. Materials and methods: Thirty E.coli strains gathered from Imam Khomeini hospital of Ilam, and cultured on TSB and bacterial suspension prepared by 0.5 µF concentration for E-test. Mueller Hinton agar and E-test strips of Amikacin, Cefepime, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, Gentamicin, Meropenem, Nitrofurantoin, Piperacillin/Tazobactam, Tetracycline, Ticarcillin/ Clavulanic acid, Tobramycin, Trimethoprim were used Results: Resistance to Ceftriaxone, Tobramycin, Gentamicin, Ticarcillin/ Clavulanic, Amikacin were 19.8%, 26.4%, 23.3%, 62.7%, 70.3%, respectively. Conclusion: the results indicated, E.coli strains in this study were high sensitivity to Meropenem ,Nitrofuratoin, Ciprofloxacin , Ceftazidime, Cefepime.

Introduction: Many countries in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world encounter dust storms phenomenon, that is one of the meteorological problems leading to daily life disturbances, financial losses, public health risks and the destructive environmental impacts. Materials and methods: Although the dust storm is historically recorded as an old event in some provinces of Iran, nowadays it becomes a new event in the other provinces such as Ilam in the west of Iran. Dust storms have been remarkably increased since 2007 in a period of 20 years (1997-2017) of daily frequency of dust storms in Ilam station. The dust storm is mostly observed in Ilam city (center of Ilam province) in 2011, after the years of rainfall deficiency. Results: After statiscal investigation of dust storms in Ilam province and factors affecting its formation, the dust storm from 3nd to 6th July 2016 are studied that reduced visibility so much in West and SW of Iran. On the of 3rd- 4th of July of the same year, the intensity of the dust storm was so high that made the visibility decresses severely in Ilam city. The source of this dust storm was the eastern areas of Syria and central Iraq. This fact also appeared in the satellite images and in the output of HYSPLIT MODEL. The output of WRF-Chem Model clearly shows the dust mass over East-Syria, Central and East Iraq and West and SW Iran. Conclusion: Model outputs in intensity of surface dust concentration of MACC-ECMWF, NASA-GEOS, NCEP-NGAC, NMMB-BSC, and BSC-DREAM8b models are compared to the observation of the aerosol concentration in Ilam city and results show that NASA-GEOS model has better performance, based on the results compared to the other models. In display of dust dispertion on Iran, the middle of all models is more compatible with reality.

Introduction: Optimism is a tendency towards life and its events. It can affect health via the promotion of social relationships. Aim: This study aimed at investigating optimism, communication skills, and its related factors in midwifery students. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted during September to December, 2016. Participants were 115 midwifery students from Ilam University of Medical Sciences who were enrolled into this study through census sampling. Data were collected using demographic characteristics, communication skills, and life-orientation questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics in SPSS version 16. Results: The mean score of communication skills and optimism was 108.9 +/- 10.9 and 13.9 +/- 3.5, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that there was a direct correlation between communication skill and optimism scores (r=0.477, p

Objective To measure the activities of cholinesterase enzyme among farmers who used the selected insecticides for the purpose of preventing the growth of agricultural pests on their farms. Methods A total of 21 people used diazinon to spray their agricultural lands and 13 people also used sevin to spray theirs in western part of Iran. Lovi Bond method was used for the measurement of cholinesterase activity. Results Results revealed that the enzyme level before spraying with diazinon was 100.0% among 3 workers and 87.5% in 18 of them. This level decreased to 75.0% among 13 workers and 67.5% in 5 workers. The number of workers that had headache, pale, dizziness with headache, nausea, diarrhea with cramps and stomachache were 5, 9, 5, 3, 4 and 7 respectively. These symptoms decreased after 72 h. Out of 13 workers who sprayed with sevin, the enzyme level before spraying was normal (100.0%) among 5 workers and 87.5% in 8 workers. After spraying, the enzyme level was 87.5% in 5 workers, 75.0% in 5 workers and 67.5% in 3 workers. Conclusions These workers were in danger of chemical poisoning. Measurement of pre-cholinesterase and post-cholinesterase exposures is recommended in order to compare the values after pesticide application.

Introduction:Intestinalparasiticinfectionsassociatedwithanemiahavedirectnegativeimpactonthehealthofhumanbeings. Objectives:TofindtheassociationbetweenanaemiaandintestinalparasiticinfestationamongtheteagardenworkersinIlamdistrictofNepal. MaterialsandMethods:ACommunitybasedcross-sectionalstudywasconductedamongteagardenworkersinIlamdistrictofNepal.Outof4teaestatesinIlamDistrict,2teaestateswereselectedrandomly.Semi-structuredquestionnairewasadministeredtothestudysubjectsandMicroscopicExaminationofStoolwasdone.Haemoglobinlevelwasdeterminedbycyanmethemoglobinmethod.TheChisquarenbsp;testnbsp;wasnbsp;usednbsp;tonbsp;findnbsp;thenbsp;associationnbsp;betweennbsp;anaemianbsp;andnbsp;intestinalnbsp;parasiticnbsp;infestation./p> p>Results:nbsp;Thenbsp;prevalencenbsp;ofnbsp;anaemianbsp;wasnbsp;seennbsp;lowernbsp;amongnbsp;thenbsp;studynbsp;populationnbsp;infectednbsp;withnbsp;parasitenbsp;(37.5%)nbsp;thannbsp;parasitenbsp;negativenbsp;(48.3%)nbsp;(Pgt;0.05).nbsp;Mildnbsp;anaemianbsp;wasnbsp;seennbsp;significantlynbsp;highernbsp;amongnbsp;parasitenbsp;positivenbsp;(60%)nbsp;innbsp;comparisonnbsp;tonbsp;moderatenbsp;anemianbsp;(40%)nbsp;(Plt;0.05).nbsp;Thenbsp;prevalencenbsp;ofnbsp;anaemianbsp;wasnbsp;seennbsp;significantlynbsp;highernbsp;thosenbsp;infectednbsp;withnbsp;hookwormnbsp;(90%)nbsp;thannbsp;Ascarisnbsp;lumbricoidesnbsp;(40%),nbsp;Entamoebanbsp;histolyticanbsp;(20%)nbsp;andnbsp;Giardianbsp;lamblianbsp;(16.7%)nbsp;(Plt;0.05)./p> p>Conclusions:nbsp;Thisnbsp;studynbsp;didnbsp;notnbsp;shownbsp;thenbsp;associationnbsp;betweennbsp;anemianbsp;andnbsp;intestinalnbsp;parasiticnbsp;infestations.Thenbsp;prevalencenbsp;ofnbsp;anemianbsp;wasnbsp;seennbsp;highernbsp;thosenbsp;infectednbsp;withnbsp;hookwormnbsp;thannbsp;othernbsp;intestinalnbsp;parasites./p>

The Eywan town is situated in the North-western part of Ilam province, in West of Iran. During February and March 2011, with the support of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization of Ilam province the North-Western part of this area known as Shirah-Penah was surveyed by authors. We found 26 sites among which 21 sites yielded evidence related to Iron Age and others belong to Historical and Islamic period. We gave a reference number to each site namely: EY.001 to EY.026. All our found materials are presently housed in the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization of Ilam Province. The aim of the present paper is to introduce the settlements and some of the graveyards which have not been previously registered or studied.

Ground beetles are a large group of insects, many of which are important bio-indicators and have significant role in biological control of agricultural and forest pests. The fauna of these beneficial insects was studied in two Iranian provinces including, Ilam and Lorestan. Totally 64 species and subspecies from 32 genera and 14 tribes belonging to nine subfamilies were collected from different regions of the mentioned provinces.

Background & objectives: Ilam province is one of the oldest known endemic foci of zoonotic cutaneous leishmani- asis (CL) in Iran; and the recent studies have shown an increasing trend in the number of cases from the region. This study was aimed to investigate the parasite species and genetic diversity of isolates obtained from CL patients based on the N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate transferase (nagt) gene. Methods: Exudate materials were collected from the swollen margin of the skin lesions of the patients suspected with CL who were referred to health centers laboratory of Mehran, Dehloran, Ilam and Malekshahi cities in the Ilam province. Demographic data were collected through a questionnaire. Smears were stained and examined microscopically. In total, 62 parasitologically positive samples were subjected to PCR-RFLP of nagt gene for identification of Leishmania species, in addition to genetic diversity investigation. Results: Nearly, half of the positive cases were referred from Mehran followed by Dehloran City (40.4%). These included people from different age groups (1 to 73 yr), with majority being male (66.1%). The common site of lesions was hand (48.4%). Half of the patients had multiple lesions; most of them were wet ulcerative type. A 1450-60 bp band of the nagt gene was amplified from all the samples. Digestion patterns of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1) enzyme were similar to what expected for Leishmania major. No difference was observed at the nucleotide acid level or resulting amino acid in nine sequenced samples on the basis of phylogenetic analyses. However, intra- species differences (0.0015) were observed amongst the L. major isolates of present study and the other parts of Iran. Interpretation & conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that the main causative agent of CL in Ilam Province is L. major, and there is no considerable heterogeneity among the L. major isolates. Moreover, nagt gene proved to be an efficient marker for differentiating Leishmania species. Further studies with more samples need to be carried out to achieve a more comprehensive result on the genetic variation of L. major isolates.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is known to be responsible for nosocomial infections, and the typing method was useful in managing the reservoir of bacteria. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus in the nares and hands of nurses working in Imam Khomeini hospital, Ilam, Iran, as well as to determine the clonal relatedness, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, different virulence, and resistance determinants among these isolates. The evolution of mupirocin activity in the eradication of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) colonization in the nares of the healthcare workers in Ilam, Iran, was also determined in this study.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 80 nurses, auxiliary nurses, and service workers from Imam Khomeini Hospital were enrolled. MRSA, antibiotic susceptibility, and virulence determinants were evaluated. Then, the isolates were subjected to pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec typing. Results: Our results demonstrated that 23% of isolates were MRSA. PFGE results demonstrated that pulsotypes A (3 out of 30; 10%) and J (3 out of 30; 10%), pulsotypes E (2 out of 30; 6.7%), M (2 out of 30; 6.7%), P(2 out of 30; 6.7%), and V (2 out of 30; 6.7%) were the most predominant pulsotypes, respectively. Conclusion: We cannot give conclusive suggestions about the correlation between nasal carriage and infections, but we suggest the monitoring of all healthcare workers annually, decontamination of their noses by using mupirocin and other antistaphylococcal agents, and also the washing of their hands at least every 2 h.

Background Suicide is an important social tragic phenomenon which occurs by different tools or methods in different communities. Considering deliberate poisoning as a common and important method in Ilam province for suicide, the present study was launched to epidemiologically assess committing suicide in Ilam province, Iran, based on intentional poisoning. Methods By a retrospective study, all the recorded data associated with intentional poisoning suicide in Ilam Province during 1993–2013 were analyzed. All the demographic variables and the suicides’ outcomes were analyzed using the Chi-Square test, and the univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results Totally, 6794 cases of suicide (annual incidence rate of 87.28/ 100, 000) associated with poisoning were evaluated. The incidence rate of suicide attempts was 84.63/ 100, 000 (94.51 in female and 74.98 in male) and the incidence rate of completed suicide was 2.17/ 100, 000 (1.94 in female and 2.40 in male). Also, the highest rates of attempted and completed suicide (annual incidence rate of 172.42 and 4.14, respectively) were attributed to the age group of 15–24 year. Conclusion Females had a greater tendency to commit suicide by poisoning, and the lower level of education, the age group of 15–24 years and single individuals were more associated with suicide using poisonings. The incidence of attempted suicide in females and completed suicide in males was higher in this method. Considering the high rate of suicide by poisoning, further attention and supervision on the sale and reserve of drugs and poisons is necessary. Meanwhile, it seems that due to momentary emotions during the pubertal stage, the risk of committing suicide is increased especially among unemployed individuals; therefore, performing an extensive psychotherapy intervention is needed in the societies with younger populations.

ObjectivesAflatoxins as a highly toxic group of mycotoxins are present in the environment and foodstuff. These have been reported to cause serious health problems in humans. Since aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is excreted into breast milk, investigating the exposure of infants to AFM1 is of special concern.MethodsIn the present study, breast milk samples were collected from 85 lactating mothers in Ilam province, Iran, and the levels of AFM1 were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based technique. AFM1 was detected in breast milk of all lactating women. The mean contamination level was 5.91 ± 2.031 ng/L, ranging from 2 ng/L to 10 ng/L.ResultsMultiple regression analysis indicated no significant associations of consumption of milk and dairy products, meat, fish, legumes, grain products, fruits, and nuts with the concentration of AFM1 in breast milk. Furthermore, no significant association was observed between AFM1 concentration and anthropometric data of infants.ConclusionIn western parts of Iran, lactating mothers and their infants could be at risk of aflatoxin B1 and AFM1 exposure, respectively. Therefore, in Iran, the evaluation of AFM1 in human breast milk as a biomarker for postnatal exposure of infants to this carcinogen requires more attention in different regions and various seasons.

Introduction: Many studies have shown that the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increasing in the patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the present evidences are controversy and all of the researches don’t suggest evaluation of the patients with IBS for the CD. Materials and Methods: In the cross-sectional study, 1000 patients that affected by IBS with the predominant feature of diarrhea who referred to the gastroenterology clinic were evaluated during 2009-2012 years. Blood samples were taken from the patients for ELISA of IgA tissue transglutaminase (TTG) Ab. Then biopsy was taken from the second part of duodenum of all of patients by endoscopy and the sample was referred to pathologist for histopathology evaluation in order to confirm diagnosis. Results: About half of the patients with IBS were women (50.3%) and the mean age ± Standard deviation of the men and women was 29.59±11.41 and 28.42±11.73, respectively. The mean titer of TTG IgA Ab in the women and men affected by IBS was 5.25±17.77 and 7.22±25.4, respectively. Seventy six cases (7.6%) that affected by IBS had high serum level of Ab titer (TTG IgA.Ab≥10) that including 41 women and 35 men. In the patients with high serum level of Ab titer, 57 cases (75%) were affected by celiac disease (based on histopathology report). Therefore, the prevalence of CD was 5.7% among patients with IBS. Conclusion: In the current study the incidence of CD was evaluated 5.7 cases per each 100 people with IBS. It’s suggested that all of the patients with diarrhea predominant IBS and high serum level of TTG IgA Ab must be examined for evaluation of CD.

Introduction: Disease mapping includes a set of statistical techniques that provides maps based on estimates of diseases rates. Bayesian ones are the most important models in this field. They consider prior information on changes in the disease rates in overall map and spatial pattern of the disease. These include a broad range of models with their own formulation, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. In the present study, we explain and compare three important and widely-used Bayesian models in the study of evaluating relative risk of suicide in Ilam province. Materials and Methods: In this applied-ecological research, suicide incidence in Ilam province in 2008 and 2009 was analyzed by use of Gamma-Poisson, Log-normal, and BYM Bayesian models. Models were fitted to data using WinBUGS software. Results: Fitting the three models showed that Darehshahr and Shirvan-Chrdavol had the highest and the lowest relative risk of suicide, respectively (relative risks based on Gamma-Poisson, Log-normal, and BYM models were 2.243, 2.275, and 2.279 for Dareshahr and 0.321, 0.321, and 0.319 for Shirvan-Chrdavol, respectively). Conclusion: Despite some differences in estimates, the ranks of relative risks in counties in all three models are the same. The counties based on the relative risks of suicide from the most to the least are: Darehshahr, Ilam, Dehloran, Eyvan, Abdanan, Mehran, Malekshahi, and Shirvan-Chrdavol.

Background: There are few diverse studies that have reported the case fatality rates of different methods of suicide, none of them are originated from developing countries. The aim of the present article is to report the case fatality rates of different methods of suicide in Ilam province of Iran. Materials and Methods: Data on 611 cases of suicide and 1807 cases of deliberate self harm (DSH) that were recorded in a comprehensive registry during 1995 through 2002 were analyzed for both genders together and for males and females, separately. Findings: For both genders together, the two most fatal methods were hanging (75.4%) and self-immolation (68.3%); for males, hanging (76.3%) and self-immolation (64.7%); and for females, firearms (75%) and hanging (73.7%), respectively. The least fatal methods for both genders together and for females and males separately were drug ingestion and cutting. Conclusion: The results of present study, which for the first time has reported the case fatality rates of suicide methods in a developing world, would not only help to better plan the local suicide prevention strategies and clinical assessment of suicidal cases but to shed light on overall understanding of this mysterious human phenomenon.

Background: Mental disorder is one of the most important diseases of which is predicted to increase from 10.5% to 15% until 2020. This study aimed to determine economic factors influencing mental health using multiple regression models in Ilam province in 2013. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 903 families from different cities of Ilam were selected using multistage cluster sampling. The families were selected from each city separately and each head of family was interviewed. The instruments for data collection included general and economic questionnaires and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21, Eviews, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, single and multiple linear regressions. Results: The mean ± SD mental health score in this study was 28.5±12.10. The mental health increased for 4.26 units per each unit of life satisfaction increase, decreased for 4.09 units per each unit of gender growth, increased for 2.94 units per each unit of increase in economic status and had a significant correlation with all the three components (p

Background & Objectives: Suicide has been recognized as a public health concern in all communities. Several factors are contributing to its incidence in developed and developing countries. Purpose of this study is to investigate seasonal patterns of suicide in Ilam province western Iran. Methods: Data were recruited from a systematic registry of Ilam province between available from 2001–2009. Overall, 3873 suicides were recorded. According to month and season of suicide, data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: Among suicide attempters, a peak of suicide occurrence was observed in summer, especially in August. In general, 16% of suicides were completed. The risk of death (OR)due to suicide was significantly greater in winter and March compared to other seasons and months, respectively. Conclusion: Suicide occurrence varies by month and season and seasonal-related factors such as psychological, environmental and social aspects should be considered for any prevention programs and strategies.

This study was carried out in Melehgavan protected area (app.160 ha) located in northwestern of Ilam city. The main objective of the study was to survey the ecological species groups in relation to some physiographic attributes and soil physico-chemical properties. The field data were obtained using 67 sample plots (20m×20m) in a systematic random grid. The attributes including tree and shrub species type, number of each species and canopy coverage, which were recorded by measuring their small / large crown diameters in each sample plot. In order to record the herbaceous species, the Whitaker’s snail plot method was applied, which resulted in 81 m2 of the minimum plot area. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and TWINSPAN methods were used for the site classification, determining of the relationship between species composition and environmental properties and also definition of ecological species groups, respectively. Results indicated that there were three ecological species groups in the study area. The first group had a positive correlation with the soil pH. There was no indicator tree species in this group but Stipa capensis, Fibigia macrocarpa and Medicago rigidula could be detected as indicator herbaceous species. The second group was established in the higher elevation and its site had more moisture and mineral nutrients than the sites of other groups in the area. Quercus brantii and Bromus tectorum were identified as the indicator species for this group. Daphne mucronata and Euphorbia macroclada species were defined as the indicator species for the third group, which was established in the low elevation above sea level. The mineral nutrients of this group were less than the second group.

In order to investigate the reaction of biodiversity and richness of plant species in relation to physiography and physico-chemical properties of soil, Arasht catchment (approximately 500 ha) from Kabirkoh protected area in Ilam province was selected. After determining transects in different aspects, 67 sample plots (20m×20m) in a grid of 150m×150m were established (northern aspect 24 plots, western aspect 20 plots and southern aspect 23 plots). The environmental factors and vegetation in each sample plot were recorded. Results from correlation analysis showed that the biodiversity of herbaceous species in southern aspect has a negative relation with clay and sand and has a positive relation with silt and lime. The biodiversity of herbaceous species in northern aspect has a positive relation with soil saturation percentage, organic matter and nitrogen and has a negative relation with altitude. The biodiversity of herbaceous speciesin western aspect has a negative relation with EC and altitude and has a positive relation with lime. Based on the results, it can be stated that for ecological evaluations in Zagros region, physico-chemical factors are more suitable for herbaceous species and physiographic factors and land form are more suitable for shrub and tree species.

The aim of this study was to survey vegetation in relation to some edaphic and physiographic conditions in Arasht catchment (approximately 510 ha) of Kabirkuh protected area in Ilam province. For this purpose, 67 sample plots (20m×20m) in a systematic grid established in the study area. Some factors, including tree and shrub species type, number and canopy coverage were recorded by measuring their small/large crown diameters in each sample plot. In order to record the herbaceous species, cover percentage for each herbaceous species were recorded in four micro–plots (1.5m²) that were defined with Domin criterion. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and TWINSPAN methods used for the site classification and definition of ecological species groups, respectively. Results showed that there are six ecological species groups in the study area. Some soil physicochemical properties and physiographic factors play an important role in recognizing of ecological species groups. The most important factors affecting the establishment and distribution of ecological species groups were soil texture, lime, nitrogen, organic carbon, elevation and slope.