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Abstract Aim To determine inequality and decompose it’s in Self-Rated Health (SRH). Method This population-based cross-sectional study was undertaken on the entire population of the city of Ilam, Iran, in 2023. Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling with proportion-to-size approach was used to select the participants. Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique was used to show the amount of inequity in SRH and to decompose of the gap of SRH between the poor and the rich group of participants. Results 1370 persons participated in the study. The 59.38% of participants stated good SRH status and just 8.86% of participants had poor SRH status. The results of the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition revealed a considerable gap (15.87%) in the poor status of SRH between the rich and the poor. A large proportion (89.66%) of this difference was described by explained portion of the model. The results of decomposition showed that economic status was directly responsible for explaining 27.98% of overall inequality gap between rich and poor people. Moreover, hopelessness to future (32.64%), having an underlying disease (18.34%) and difference in the education level (10.71%) were associated with an increase in inequality disfavoring the poor. Conclusion For people suffering from underlying disease, it is suggested to devise policies to improve access to/and remove healthcare utilization barriers. To address hopelessness to future, it is recommended to carry out further studies to reveal factors which affect it in more details. This can help policy makers to formulate more realistic and evidence-informed policies on order to lessen the current socioeconomic inequity in SRH.

Introduction: A study was undertaken to investigate the presence of house dust mites in Ilam town and their climate-induced variability between January and June 2017. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, a total of fifty houses located in five different residential areas of Ilam town were selected using a cluster random sampling method. Dust samples, collected from mattresses, pillows, and carpets, were obtained from each house utilizing a portable vacuum cleaner. Each sample was then transferred into 70% alcohol solution, with an amount equivalent to 200mg preserved for further analysis. Under a stereomicroscope, mites were carefully isolated from the samples using micro-dissecting needles. Subsequently, these specimens underwent clearing processes before being mounted on Hoyer media for preservation purposes. The identification process involved employing standard taxonomic keys to determine the species of each specimen. Furthermore, statistical analyses provided both mean values as well as confidence intervals (CI) for the mite populations collected for every identified species. Additionally, binomial tests served to assess the distribution patterns across these species. Findings: Out of a grand total of 208 mite specimens analyzed during this investigation phase, seven distinct species namely Haemolaelaps glasgowi (24.52%), Echinolaelaps echidninus (12.02%), Laelaps nuttalli (11.06%), Androlaelaps setosus (13.94%), Neoeucheyla iranica (10.10%), Cheyletus malaccensis (14.90%), and Ornithonyssus bacoti (13.46%) were successfully identified. The distribution of all species displayed a significant statistical value (P < 0.01). Furthermore, an astonishing 80% of the visited households were infested with mites. Conclusion: This particular study has shed light on the presence of a remarkably diverse array of house dust mite species. The prevalence of certain rodent-related mites suggests that rodents either inhabit or frequent residential homes, prompting the need for further investigation.

Aim: To determine inequality and decompose it's in Self-Rated Health (SRH). Method: This population-based cross-sectional study was undertaken on the entire population of the city of Ilam, Iran, in 2023. Multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling with proportion-to-size approach was used to select the participants. Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique was used to show the amount of inequity in SRH and to decompose of the gap of SRH between the poor and the rich group of participants. Results: 1370 persons participated in the study. The 59.38% of participants stated good SRH status and just 8.86% of participants had poor SRH status. The results of the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition revealed a considerable gap (15.87%) in the poor status of SRH between the rich and the poor. A large proportion (89.66%) of this difference was described by explained portion of the model. The results of decomposition showed that economic status was directly responsible for explaining 27.98% of overall inequality gap between rich and poor people. Moreover, hopelessness to future (32.64%), having an underlying disease (18.34%) and difference in the education level (10.71%) were associated with an increase in inequality disfavoring the poor. Conclusion: For people suffering from underlying disease, it is suggested to devise policies to improve access to/and remove healthcare utilization barriers. To address hopelessness to future, it is recommended to carry out further studies to reveal factors which affect it in more details. This can help policy makers to formulate more realistic and evidence-informed policies on order to lessen the current socioeconomic inequity in SRH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the length of hospitalization of patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), its characteristics, and its related factors creates a better understanding of the impact of medical interventions and hospital capacities. Iran is one of the countries with the most deaths in the world (146,321 total deaths; 5 September 2023) and ranks first among the countries of the Middle East and the EMRO. Analysis of confirmed COVID-19 patients' hospital length of stay in Ilam Province can be informative for decision making in other provinces of Iran. This study was conducted to analyze the survival of COVID-19 patients and the factors associated with COVID-19 deaths in the hospitals of Ilam Province. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data from confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ilam Province were obtained from the SIB system in 2019. The sample size was 774 COVID-19-positive patients from Ilam Province. Measuring survival and risk probabilities in one-week intervals was performed using Cox regression. Most patients were male (55.4%) and 55.3% were over 45 years old. Of the 774 patients, 87 (11.2%) died during the study period. The mean hospital length of stay was 5.14 days. The median survival time with a 95% confidence interval was four days. The probability of survival of patients was 80%, 70%, and 38% for 10, 20, and 30 days of hospital stay, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the survival time of patients with age, history of chronic lung diseases, history of diabetes, history of heart diseases, and hospitalization in ICU (p < 0.05). The risk of dying due to COVID-19 disease was higher among men, older age groups, and patients with a history of chronic lung diseases, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the results, taking preventive measures for elderly patients and those with underlying conditions to prevent the infection of COVID-19 patients is of potential interest. Efficiency in the management of hospital beds should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, five types of popular herbal distillates including licorice, fennel, orange blossom, lavender, and cinnamon were purchased from the supply level stores in the city of Ilam by cluster sampling method and analyzed for the amount of ethanol and methanol. Materials and Methods: In the first step, the samples of herbal distillates were taken for testing. In addition, analytical grade ethanol and methanol were purchased from Merck Company and used as controls. Dates of production and expiry of each sample were separately checked and recorded. The samples of every herb distillate were kept in their original containers and used for testing. The names and brands of the manufacturing plants were mentioned as A, B, C, etc., in view of the ethical aspects of the research. The concentration of methanol and ethanol in the products of each company was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and each sample was measured five times and the mean value was reported. Results: On the basis of the obtained results, the mean concentrations of ethanol and methanol in lavender distillate were 7.153 and 17.002 ppm, respectively. The mean ethanol and methanol levels in orange blossom distillate were 164.2551 and 64.2472 ppm, respectively. The average ethanol and methanol content in cinnamon distillate were 11.9482 and 12.769 ppm, respectively. The mean ethanol and methanol contents in fennel distillate were 30.8897 and 7.5103 ppm, respectively. The mean ethanol and methanol contents in licorice distillate were 4.1524 and 38.3075 ppm, respectively. The results of this study showed that herbal distillates have ethanols and particularly methanols. Conclusion: Herbal distillates that contain methanol and ethanol can be toxic, especially to pregnant women, if taken over a long period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A study was undertaken to investigate the presence of house dust mites in Ilam town and their climate-induced variability between January and June 2017. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, a total of fifty houses located in five different residential areas of Ilam town were selected using a cluster random sampling method. Dust samples, collected from mattresses, pillows, and carpets, were obtained from each house utilizing a portable vacuum cleaner. Each sample was then transferred into 70% alcohol solution, with an amount equivalent to 200mg preserved for further analysis. Under a stereomicroscope, mites were carefully isolated from the samples using micro-dissecting needles. Subsequently, these specimens underwent clearing processes before being mounted on Hoyer media for preservation purposes. The identification process involved employing standard taxonomic keys to determine the species of each specimen. Furthermore, statistical analyses provided both mean values as well as confidence intervals (CI) for the mite populations collected for every identified species. Additionally, binomial tests served to assess the distribution patterns across these species. Findings: Out of a grand total of 208 mite specimens analyzed during this investigation phase, seven distinct species namely Haemolaelaps glasgowi (24.52%), Echinolaelaps echidninus (12.02%), Laelaps nuttalli (11.06%), Androlaelaps setosus (13.94%), Neoeucheyla iranica (10.10%), Cheyletus malaccensis (14.90%), and Ornithonyssus bacoti (13.46%) were successfully identified. The distribution of all species displayed a significant statistical value (P < 0.01). Furthermore, an astonishing 80% of the visited households were infested with mites. Conclusion: This particular study has shed light on the presence of a remarkably diverse array of house dust mite species. The prevalence of certain rodent-related mites suggests that rodents either inhabit or frequent residential homes, prompting the need for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological indicators of brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran, during the years 2011 to 2018. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analytical study was performed on 1,002 patients with brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran. People with a Wright test greater than 1.80 or a positive 2ME test who were diagnosed with brucellosis were followed up and treated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and Excel 2007. Results: 1002 patients with brucellosis were diagnosed, 566 of whom were male (56.5%) and 436 were female (43.5%). The mean age at the onset of the disease was 38.11 ± 19.61 in men, 41.73 ± 15.67 in women, and39.94 ±17.81 in both sexes. The incidence of brucellosis in 2011 was 20.44 per 100,000 (22.30 per 100,000 in men and 18.53 per 100,000 in women), which dropped to 15.94 per 100,000 in 2018. Regarding the season, most cases of the disease were observed in summer (31%), spring (24.7%), winter (23.6%), and autumn (20.7%), respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that the age of the onset of the disease was middle age, when individuals are active labor and human capital working in a community. Therefore, improving cross-sectoral and intra-sectoral cooperation and promoting effective education for prevention seem necessary.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is the last global threat which WHO confirmed it as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In the Middle East, Iran was the first country where the SARS-Cov-2 was detected. The epidemiological and economic challenges of Iran make this country a particularly relevant subject of study. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological and laboratory findings in hospitalized COVID-19 confirmed cases in Ilam province, western of Iran. METHODS: Overall, 2204 hospitalized RT-PCR confirmed patients with COVID-19 were considered in this study. Electronic medical records, including clinical symptoms, radiological images, laboratory findings, and the comorbidities of patients with COVID-19 were collected and analyzed. In addition, the medication regimens used in these patients were evaluated. The patients were classified in discharged and died groups according to their outcomes. Then, clinical, radiological and laboratory findings as well as treatment regimens and underlying diseases were compared in these two groups. RESULTS: Among the patients, 1209 (54.85%) were male and 995 (45.14%) were female. Pneumonia, dyspnea and cough, were the most common clinical data in both discharged and died groups. Among the comorbidities, COPD, and cancer were significantly more common in the dead patients than in the living. The results of laboratory tests showed that blood creatinine, BUN, ESR, Na+, WBC, and neutrophil count have increased in deceased group compared to the survivors. However, the lymphocyte count decreased in deceased patients. The evaluation of radiographs demonstrated that there were significant correlations between bilateral pneumonia, ground glass opacity, bilateral patchy shadowing, and pleural effusion with death. CONCLUSION: The current investigation indicated the special profile of COVID-19 in west of Iran. Discharged and dead patients with COVID-19 had distinct clinical, radiological and laboratory features, which were separated by principal component analysis. Identifying these characteristics of the disease would translate into the implementation of practical measures to improve results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis. The genetic characterization of T. vaginalis isolates shows notable genetic variation in this parasite. In the present study, we aimed to identify the T. vaginalis genotypes based on analyzing of actin gene in women specimens referred to health centers of Ilam city, southwest Iran. Methods: A total of 1765 female samples were collected from gynecology clinics in the city of Ilam. DNA was extracted from positive samples and nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR) was used to amplify the actin gene. Then, partial sequencing and genotyping of the actin gene was performed. A phylogenetic tree was drawn using the detected genotypes of T. vaginalis and reference sequences. Results: Twenty-one of the 1765 urine and vaginal samples were positive for T. vaginalis. All infected individuals were married and their age in years was between 25 to 34. Further, the majority of infected women had cervical lesions, patchy erythema, and white color discharge. According to sequencing analysis, the isolates were identified as genotype G (n= 8) and genotype E (n= 2). Conclusions: From the collected samples, we were able to distinguish at least two genotypes (G and E) of T. vaginalis. However, lesser is known about these genotypes in the city of Ilam. Further studies with a higher number of isolates should be performed in order to understand the implications of these results in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a problematic parasitic infection in the west of Iran, this study was carried out to clarify the epidemiological aspects of Cl. Our database includes all Cl cases with detailed information during 2014–2018 in Ilam province, west of Iran. Patients referred to health and clinical centers in our study areas then health providers and laboratory technicians took smears to detect leishmania parasites under light microscope. SPSS24 software used for analyzing data by the Chi square test. Mehran and Dehloran districts were alone accounted for 50% of all reported cases. ≥ 36 age group was dominant cases also housekeepers were at the top of categories in case of occupation. Hand and leg entangled with this infection more than other organs. Moreover, most cases observed in the winter season, and lesions were 1–3 cm in size. Apart from decreasing Cl cases in our study location compared to 2014, building debris around the urban area should be cleaned up concerning standards of hygiene in each phase to keep rodents away. Additionally, citizens at the land border of Iran-Iraq should protect themselves from sand fly biting at least by insect repellent at peak travel times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Documenting folk uses of wild medicinal plants provide an important baseline for the future novel drugs development and pharmacological evaluation. Aims: To document the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of Ilam city of Ilam Province, Iran. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the study area from 190 informants to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge during 2008-2014. The collected data were assessed with quantitative tools viz. medicinal use value (MUV), family use value (FUV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC). Results: A total of 132 plant species distributed in 116 genera and 51 families were revealed to be used in herbal-based therapy. The highest medicinal plants diversity was shown by Compositae (19 species). A total of 13 types of plant parts were reported to be used in different recipes dominated by leaf (31%). Highest MUV were shown by Alhagi maurorum Medik. (0.87) and Cannabis sativa L. (0.85). In case of RFC, the highest RFC were expressed by Lycium depressum (0.95) followed by Pistacia khinjuk (0.94), Nasturtium officinale (0.93) and Portulaca oleracea (0.90). Highest FUV among small families was shown by Cannabaceae (0.85) and among the large families by Leguminosae (0.55). Conclusions: The study revealed a high medicinal plant diversity that is utilized for long time by the local communities of Ilam to resolve their health-based problems. The plants marked in the present paper could be brought under pharmacological evaluation to further exploit their efficacy. This paper could be an important document for the future generations of the Ilam province, Iran.

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.

In recent years, increasing dust phenomenon in the west of Iran has led to social, economic, and health concerns. This study aimed to represent the existence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. in dust phenomenon in Ilam Province, Iran. In this study, 55 dust samples were collected and by targeting the diagnostic fragment 3 region of the 18S rRNA gene, the genotypes were determined. Utilizing the tolerance ability test, the pathogenic potential of all positive isolates was also recognized. Eighteen samples of Acanthamoeba (32.7%) were detected in the sampling areas. According to sequencing analysis, the isolates related to T4 (77.7%) and T2 (22.3%) genotypes were reported. It was revealed by thermo- and osmotolerance tests in which six strains are extremely pathogenic. To our knowledge, the pathogenic Acanthamoeba was potentially isolated initially from dust phenomenon in Ilam Province. Thus, these strains are probably highly virulent, and dusts are possible sources of Acanthamoeba infection in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Abstract 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.

Introduction: Optimism is a tendency towards life and its events. It can affect health via the promotion of social relationships. Aim: To investigate optimism, communication skills, and its related factors in midwifery students. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 115 midwifery students from Ilam University of Medical Sciences who were enrolled in this study through census sampling. Data were collected using questionnaire including 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

The genus Eirenis encompasses 20 small-sized colubrid species, showing its highest diversity with 13 species in Iran. Eirenis coronelloides (Jan, 1862) is one of these 13 species which found in western Iran. Two additional specimens of this species were collected in western Ilam Province, Western Iran. This taxon has a crescent-like distribution in the Middle-East with eastern ramous extended in the western and southwestern regions of Iran. Morphological analyses of the additional specimens are presented. The number of ventrals in some specimens increases geographically from west to the east. This taxon is distributed in two different geographic regions, namely the Zagros Mountains and the western foothills of the Zagros Mountains, with different climatic conditions. This species is sympatric with at least three congeners in western Iran, namely E. collaris, E. persicus and E. punctatolineatus.

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<0.001). Analytical statistical analysis showed a direct relation between age and communication scores (p=0.01) and there was a significant relation in the mean score of communication skills in married people than in single ones (p=0.02). Also, there was a significant correlation between optimism score and the level of awareness of the field of study (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, the level of communication skills in midwifery students in Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Iran was moderate and comprehensive training is needed to improve these skills. The level of optimism of life in most midwifery students was relatively good, but more studies are suggested in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxocara is one of the common intestinal nematodes in dogs and cats and is the agent of tissue migratory larvae in humans. Customarily, the prevalence of human toxocariasis hovers around 15.8% in Iran. Furthermore, other research outcomes demonstrated a tendency for an outbreak of toxocariasis in Iran. Therefore, we carried out a cross-sectional study and assessed the seroprevalence of toxocariasis humans in Ilam Province, western of Iran. A total of 539 serum samples were collected between September 2017 and March 2018 from patients referred to the Health Centers of Ilam province, Iran. Serum samples were investigated for the presence of Toxocara using IgG antibodies, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) kit. Risk factors such as contact with cats and dogs, living in rural areas were investigated among the study population. Out of 539 total samples collected, 97 cases (17.99%) were positive for anti-toxocara IgG antibodies. These antibodies were recovered from serum samples of otherwise healthy adults (15.54%, 49/296), pregnant women (21.16%, 40/189) and diabetic patients (14.81%, 8/54). This study showed significant relationship between toxocariasis and contact with animal pets in all studied groups (P value = 0.05) and a significant relationship between toxocariasis and living in rural areas among pregnant women (P value = 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most common problems in the medical world is the resistance of cancer cells to anti-tumor drugs, so finding new anticancer agents with minimal side effect is essential. This study aims at identifying medicinal plants in to the southern region of Ilam province in west Iran, which are traditionally used in the treatment of cancer by herbal practitioners. This study was conducted in the southern district of Ilam province, Iran. The study was conducted from August 2013 to October 2014 by using questionnaire and interview from herbal practitioners. The collected data were analyzed through relative frequency of citation index (RFC). In this study, 36 herbal practitioners were interviewed. A sum of 21 medicinal plants used in variety of cancers from16 families were identified for the Southern District of Ilam. Asteraceae was the dominant plant family, and the most used organ was aerial parts (44%). Dermal cancer was the most treated cancer by herbal practitioners in the region with different herbs. Lawsonia inermis and Satureja khuzistanica were the most cited species for anticancer use. On comparison with the literature it was revealed that 61.9% plants are not scientifically validated against any type of cancer. New therapeutic remedies were reported for the first time and a number of similar effects of the reported plants were found in other studies. As a result of the present study we recommend the plants documented in the present study, which are not pharmacologically assessed, for further pharmacological studies.

Background: Suicide by aggressive physical methods such as firearms, hanging, and jumping is well known; however, different factors may influence a person while selecting a particular method. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological factors involved in the selection and use of different physical methods for suicide over a long-term period in Ilam province, Iran. Methods: The present study was conducted retrospectively between 1993 and 2013 using recorded data from a comprehensive system for registration of suicide attempts in Ilam University of Medical Sciences. The epidemiological characteristics included person, time and place variables, and the outcomes of the suicide attempts. The chi square, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for data analysis. Results: Totally, 1516 suicide attempts were evaluated (the annual incidence rate: 19/100,000 individuals). The most commonly used suicide method in females (88.4%) and males (38.9%) was self-immolation. Furthermore, the annual incidence rate among males and females was within the age group of 15-24 years (24.6 and 47.8/100,000 individuals). The risk of death by suicide in the age group of 55-64 years was 2.93 compared with the age group of 10-14 years (OR = 2.93; 95% CI = 0.64-13.54, P = 0.168). Conclusion: This study revealed that self-immolation was the most selected physical method of suicide and had the highest incidence rate, and inflicted the survivors with severe physical and mental complications. In order to reduce the use of physical methods, especially self-immolation, life skills training becomes more important than ever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of springtails were identified as new records for Iranian fauna from Ilam Province, western Iran: Hemisotoma quadrioculatus (Martynova, 1967), Isotoma anglicana Lubbock, 1862 (Isotomidae) and Metaphorura riozoi Castano-Meneses, Palacios-Vargas & Traser, 2000 (Tullbergiidae). Brief information for each species about material examined, ecology, illustrations and distribution is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurofeedback records hidden physiological reactions in human brain and brain waves that influence functional and behavioral status every moment. Concentration is a method in which the one educates his/her mind for more useful approach. The purpose of present research is to compare the concentration extent of people with a history of methamphetamine consumption with normal people with the help of neurofeedback via measuring brain waves. Material and Method: Present research is a clinical trial in which 40 persons were divided into two control and experimental groups. Each group consisted of 20 persons. Brain information was recorded in Cz and Fz zones by neurofeedback devices. We used Stroop's color - word test to assess the studied concentration. We analyzed the statistical data via SPSS software, Version 16. Results: Obtained results show that people with a history of Methamphetamine abuse have lower concentration relative to healthy people. This proportion observed after using neurofeedback device too. In addition, the ratio of theta waves to Beta waves has meaningful increased in Fz and Cz zones after using neurofeedback in two control and experimental groups. Conclusion: According to obtained results, we can note that use of neurofeedback can be very effective to increase concentration in people with Methamphetamine abuse and healthy people. It is suggested to conduct more research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cryptosporidium is a coccidian parasite that can infect most mammals, including humans. This parasite is an important cause of neonatal diarrhea and morbidity in calves, causing substantial economic loss to animal husbandry. Because of the importance of this parasite in calves, this study was designed in order to determine prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among calves under one year old in Ilam county (Iran). Methods: Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was estimated using a cross-sectional study. Fecal samples from 400 calves under 1 year old were collected in Ilam County, from March 2014 to February 2015 and they were microscopically analyzed using modified Ziehl-Neelsen method (mZN). Results: The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in calves was 16% (64/400). According to age categories, the highest infection was observed in calves under one month old, and the lowest infection occurred in calves 6 to 12 months old. Age was significantly associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection (p<0.05). The prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in diarrheic and none diarrheic calves was 27.3 and 12.4 % respectively, which indicated a significant association between positivity and diarrhea (p<0.05). The highest prevalence was observed in winter followed by autumn, spring and summer respectively. No statically difference was found between prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis and seasons of sampling. Also, calves' gender was not associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infection in this study. Conclusion: Our results provide useful information about the distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. Also, the role of potential risk factors including age, sex, clinical status and seasons of sampling was indicated in studied calves from Ilam County. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydatid cyst is a chronic zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. To identify genotype of hydatid cysts of human and sheep jackal in Ilam Province (South West of Iran), the PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing were used. A total of 10 human and 20 sheep protoscoleces hydatid cyst samples were collected from different hospitals and slaughterhouses. Then, the gene of cox1 of mitDNA of the parasite was amplified and PCR products were cut using AluI and HpaII restriction enzymes. Finally, a number of PCR products were bi-directionally sequenced. Based on the DNA sequencing and PCR-RFLP results, human and sheep samples indicated to pertain the genotypic similarities. Our data indicated that, the genotypes of larval stage of E. granulosus is similar in both intermediate hosts. According to the phylogenetic tree, there is at least one genotype of parasite, which belongs to E. granulosous sensu stricto (G1-G3) complex and overall isolates sequences of mtDNA indicated 100 % homology with references G1, G2, and G3 sequences in the GenBank database. G1 genotype was the dominant genotype of human and livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]