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Avian Influenza (AI) H9N2 is endemic in Iran; therefore, it is necessary to estimate the disease prevalence among birds in live bird markets (LBMs) and assess the risk spread across the country. Accordingly, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AI subtypes in LBMs, bird gardens, and zoos during October and November 2015 in Iran and investigate the associated risk factors. Data related to independent variables for birds and premises were collected using a prepared questionnaire which included items about previously known potential risk factors associated with avian influenza infection. Serological testing was carried out to detect the antibodies against H5, H7, and H9. Regarding H5 and H7, the antigens H5N2 and H7N1 were used in this study. Positive samples on the first test were examined with the second antigens, namely H5N1 and H7N7. Moreover, sera with titers ≥4 (i.e. log2) were considered positive and premises with at least one positive bird were considered as positive units. In total, 87 premises were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum samples were examined utilizing hemagglutination inhibition, and RT-PCR was conducted on swab samples. Regarding the molecular test, the RNA was extracted using the High Pure Viral RNA Kit (Roche, Germany). In addition, real-time RT-PCR was conducted based on the described method. The seroprevalence rates of H9N2 were 83.9% and 31.8% at the premises and bird levels, respectively. Totally, 9.2% of pooled swab samples were positive for H9N2. However, all sera and swab samples were negative for H5 and H7. Hot and humid weather (OR=0.13, 95% CI 0.02 – 0.78) as well as bird-keeping condition (i.e., enclosed area) (OR=0.11, 95% CI 0.012 – 1.02) were protective factors for H9N2. High seroprevalence rate of H9 indicates that the disease is endemic in Iranian LBMs. Active surveillance must be carried out in LBMs, especially in the northern provinces of Iran. In addition, cleanliness and improved hygiene would be useful to prevent the spread of disease in LBMs.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of avian influenzaH9N2 subtype in the industrial ostrich farms and its geographical distribution. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2015. A total of 40 farms were selected from different provinces of Iran, from each of which 11 ostriches (n=440) were sampled. The sera samples were examined using 4 hemagglutination units of H9N2 antigens. A frequency distribution was used to describe the responses to the survey questions. The mean titers between provinces were compared using one-way analysis of variance. According to the results, 21 (47.5%) out of 40 farms and 108 (24.5%) out of 440 ostriches tested positive in the HI-H9N2 test. There were statistically significant differences between the mean titers of samples in different provinces (P

Background and ObjectivesGarlic [Allium sativum] has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Epidemiologic studies show an inverse correlation between garlic consumption and progression of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a complex and multifaceted disease and is characterized by several factors such as elevated serum lipids (cholesterol and triglyceride). In this study, we will investigate the effect of different levels of garlic powder on serum cholesterol and triglyceride of two strains of broiler chicks.MethodsUtilizing a completely random design with factorial method, 714 one-day old broiler chicks of two different strains (Ross and Arian) were put on seven different diet regiments for a period of 8 weeks with 3 daily feedings. The chicks in the control group were exclusively put on basal diet and the other groups were fed with o.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% of garlic powder in the basal diet. After 8 weeks blood sample was collected from the chicks. The level of serum cholesterol and triglyceride of collected blood samples were measured.The collected data was analyzed using Univariate Analysis of Variance followed by Tukey post hoc test. P< 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsGarlic powder reduced the level of serum cholesterol significantly (p

Background: The use of different educational methods and programs, such as simulation and virtual training, plays an important role in effective Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) learning for nursing students. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing mannequin-based simulation training with virtual training on CPR learning among nursing students. Materials and Methods: This parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2022. We selected 73 nursing undergraduate students and randomly assigned them to two groups: mannequin-based simulation and virtual training groups. The knowledge, attitude, and performance of CPR in both groups were evaluated and compared before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using independent t-test and the repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Within-group differences were significant in both mannequin-based simulation and virtual training groups in terms of knowledge, attitude, and CPR performance before and after training, as well as between before and 1 month after training (p < 0.001). In addition, the mean performance of simulation group students was significantly higher than the virtual group (p < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of knowledge and attitude dimensions before training, after training, and 1 month after training. Conclusions: Both mannequin-based simulation and virtual training methods increase CPR learning. Considering that students’ knowledge and attitude increase significantly using both training methods and the performance of students in the simulation group is better than in the virtual group, the use of a multimodal approach is recommended for CPR training of nursing students.

The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the experiences of Iranian therapists who dealt with challenging customers and to examine the approaches they utilized. The present research employed a qualitative form of phenomenology as its research methodology. In 2021 and 2022, the community of this study comprised active therapists in Tehran. With the purposeful continuation of sampling until the saturation limit was reached, seventeen therapists were ultimately chosen. The participants were subsequently asked to complete semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed utilizing Colaizzi’s method of descriptive data analysis. Through the examination of the data, 60 primary concepts, 9 sub-themes, and 2 main themes were identified. The overarching theme comprises two components: firstly, efficacious approaches during the therapeutic session (encompassing general therapeutic communication strategies, general individual strategies, specialized strategies pertaining to clients experiencing marital difficulties, specialized strategies pertaining to clients confronting family issues, and specialized strategies pertaining to clients diagnosed with personality disorder); and secondly, successful strategies implemented outside of the session (including general social strategies, support systems. Overall, the findings of this study indicated that clinicians’ approach to challenging clients influences the caliber of care they provide. Therefore, training and a competent supervisor are required in this field.

Abstract Background The Greek or Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca), commonly known as the spur‐thighed tortoise, is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae that is found in North Africa, Western Asia and Europe. Several species of this genus are under threat in the wild, mainly from habitat destruction therefore, accurate information about the sexual cycle and the exact time of follicular development can be effective in successful reproduction planning and preventing species extinction. Objective The experimental part of this study is focused on the evaluation of the reproductive apparatus of tortoises and development of follicles in ovaries during 1 year by ultrasonography and computed tomography. Methods Ultrasonography and CT scanning was carried out on 10 female ‘T. Graeca’ tortoises which were maintained at Tehran Eram Zoo from November 2021 to November 2022 (1 year). Ultrasonography and CT exams were performed on all animals. Results In the first study, on 28 November 2021, the ovarian cycle was characterized by the presence of previtellogenic follicles and atretic follicles. The numbers of follicles were best demonstrated on CT examination. Ultrasonography and CT scan in the second study showed no change in type of follicles from previous study. In the third study, atretic follicles were more than previtellogenic follicles, whereas in the fourth one, the numbers of previtellogenic follicles were more than atretic follicles. In following, at 6 and 29 June 2022, the absence of atretic follicles and just presence of previtellogenic follicles were observed. On 20 July 2022, the presence of a few number of atretic follicles and more previtellogenic follicles were noticed. On 30 July 2022, the absence of atretic follicles and presence of previtellogenic follicles and, for the first time, preovulatory follicles were obvious. In four following studies the absence of atretic follicles and the presence of previtellogenic follicles were diagnosed. In the last study, the absence of atretic follicles and the presence of preovulatory and previtellogenic follicles were observed. Conclusion In current study, the reproductive cycle of female T. Graeca is evaluated during 1 year in captivity with ultrasonography and CT scan. It can be concluded that in captivity, the reproductive cycle does not result in the formation of eggs or calcareous shells and atretic follicles in the study year continued as before; so this should be highly considered in captivity breeding programmes. This study also revealed that among imaging modalities, CT scan is the best modality for detecting the shape, size, type and numbers of the follicles for further evaluation of location and shape of the follicles.

Abstract Aims L.monocytogenes monocytogenes is an omnipresent bacterium that causes a fatal food-borne illness, listeriosis. The connection of this bacterium to E-cadherin through internalin A plays a significant role in the internalization of the bacteria. In this study, this interaction has been investigated for the design of an inhibitory peptide. Methods The interaction of the proteins involved in the entry of bacteria was evaluated by molecular docking. According to their interactions, an inhibitory peptide was designed to bind to internalin A by server peptiderive. Its effects on L.monocytogenes invasion on the Caco-2 cell line and biofilm formation were also assessed. Findings Docking results showed that the peptide has a high affinity for binding to Internalin A. The synthesized peptide at a concentration of 64 µg/ml inhibited 80% of the invasion of L.monocytogenes into the Caco-2 cell line. Furthermore, the studied peptide at the highest concentration had a slight inhibitory effect on biofilm formation. Conclusion These results reveal that short polypeptides can impede the invasion of target cells by L. monocytogenes in vitro and could be advantageous as restoring agents in vivo.

Background and aims Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is known as a health threat. In Iran CVD is the first leading cause of death. The more prevalence of cardiovascular risks factor leads to the higher prevalence of CVD. Previous studies revealed CVD prevention depends on healthy lifestyle. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among occupational population of the Isfahan Electricity Production and Distribution Worker (IEPW) and to plan a strategy for CVD prevention. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on all 585 occupational populations of IEPD in 1387. Data was based on questionnaire including demographic characteristics, medical history, and physical examination. Gender, age, education, occupation, married statues, smoking, and physical activity were considered in demographic characteristic, CVD risk factors and noncommunicable disease history in medical history, and height, weight, waist circumstance, hip circumstance, and blood pressure in physical examination. FBS, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDLC, TG were tested for each person. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 15. Results The findings showed that 4.2% had high FBS, 33.3% high LDL-C, 48.2% high total cholesterol, 26.4% low HDL-C, and 51% high TG. Obesity was seen in 13.6%, overweight in 46.7%, abdominal obesity in 42.8%, and physical inactivity in 75%. In addition, 16.4% were current smoker and 5.8% of were ex-smoker. Discussion considering nearly high prevalence of CVD risk factors in occupational population, recognition of CVD risk factors could provide an intervention program to prevent CVD in this company and maybe in other companies.

Background: Evidence-based International clinical practice guidelines, universally recommend secondary prevention medications for those with previous cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is limited data on the community use of these medications in the Middle East (ME). Objectives: This study assesses the use and predictors of evidence based secondary prevention medications in individuals with a history of CVD [coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke]. Methods: Between 2005 and 2015, we enrolled 11,228 individuals aged between 35–70 years from 52 urban and 35 rural communities from four ME countries, United Arab Emirates (n = 1499), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (n = 2046), Occupied Palestinian Territory (n = 1668) and Islamic Republic of Iran (n = 6013). With standardized questionnaires, we report estimates of medication use in those with CVD at national level and the independent predictors of their utilization through a multivariable analysis model. Results: Of the total ME cohort, 614 (5.5%) had CVD, of which 115 (1.0%) had stroke, 523 (4.7%) had CHD and 24 (0.2%) had both. The mean age of those with CVD was 56.6 ± 8.8 years and 269 (43.8%) were female. Overall, only 23.5% of those with CVD reported using three or more proven secondary prevention medications, and a substantial proportion (stroke 27.8%, CHD 25.8%) did not take any of these medications. In a fully adjusted analysis, increasing age, female gender, higher education, higher wealth in individual household, residence in a higher income country as well as being obese, hypertensive or diabetic were independent predictors of medication use. Conclusion: The use of secondary prevention medication is low in ME and has not reached the modest recommended WHO target of 50% use of 3 or more medications. Independent factors of higher use were, better socioeconomic status (household wealth, country wealth and education) and better contact and accessibility to health care (increasing age, female gender, obesity, diabetes and hypertension).

Leptospirosis is a multi-faceted global disease, which causes great economic and health losses to the livestock and human population of our country each year. The northern provinces of Iran are among the rainy and humid regions of Iran, and the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis is high in these regions. In ruminants, cattle are more susceptible to leptospirosis than small ruminants. The purpose of this study was to determine the serological prevalence of leptospirosis in slaughtered cows in Guilan province using the standard microscopic agglutination test (MAT). For this purpose, 300 blood samples were collected from slaughtered cows in Guilan province during the spring and summer of 2023. After separating the serum and sending them to the leptospirosis research laboratory, all the samples were tested by MAT method using five serotypes of Leptospira Grippotyphosa, Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola and Hardjo. The results of this study showed that 62 samples (20.66 percent) had anti-leptospiral antibodies against one of the above-mentioned 5 serotypes. The highest titer was related to Hardjo serotype with 37 samples (59.6 percent) and the lowest was related to Icterohaemorrhagiae serotype with 5 cases (8.06 percent). Titration of positive samples showed that 59 samples (86.8 percent) had a titer of 1:100 to 1:200 and 9 samples (13.2 percent) had a titer of 1:400. In conclusion, this study revealed that infection with L. interrogans is highly prevalent in slaughterhouse cows of Guilan province and the active presence of the cause of this disease in the province.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), on 11 March 2020. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) combine the impact of morbidity and mortality, allowing for comprehensive comparisons of the population. The purpose of this study was to estimate DALYs due to COVID-19 in Iran for the first 2 years of the pandemic.MethodsDALYs were estimated as the sum of Years of Life Lost (YLLs) and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) associated with COVID-19 in Iran from 19 February 2020 to 20 March 2022. The life expectancy for COVID-19 YLL estimations was based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study.ResultsThere were 15,639,243 outpatients and 1,170,602 hospitalized confirmed cases, of which 120,965 deaths were as a direct result of COVID-19. DALYs were estimated to be 2,376,552. Overall, YLL contributed to 99.34% of the DALYs, while the remaining 0.66% was attributed to YLD.ConclusionCOVID-19 had a significant impact on population health in Iran during the first 2 years of the pandemic; this study provides a comprehensive depiction of COVID-19’s burden and is helpful for comparing its impact with other diseases in the population and across populations.

Background and Objectives: Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), as the front line of dealing with patients with COVID-19, are exposed to the intensification of stress caused by these conditions, and it is essential to identify related factors, such as resilience and spiritual intelligence in this context. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between perceived stress, spiritual intelligence, and resilience of EMTs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 108 EMTs in Shahroud in 2021. Data collection tools included the demographic checklist, Cohen’s perceived stress questionnaire, King’s spiritual intelligence questionnaire, and Conrad Davidson’s questionnaire (CD-RISC). To analyze the data, descriptive and inferential (independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression) statistics were used. Results: The mean scores of perceived stress and resilience of employees were at medium and high levels, respectively. There was no significant relationship between perceived stress and spiritual intelligence (r=-0.49, P=0.24), but there was a meaningful negative correlation between perceived stress and resilience (r=-0.31, P=0.002). A positive and significant relationship was observed between perceived stress score and age and work experience. Conclusion: Considering the significant relationship between perceived stress and resilience in the present study, it is suggested that the administrators provide solutions such as creating training courses to manage stress and increase resilience in EMTs.

Relative permeability is a crucial input to reservoir simulators for modeling reservoir performance. Conventional methods of measuring relative permeability rely on either laboratory core-flooding experiments or fine-scale computer simulations. The former method is expensive and time-consuming, and the latter often does not represent the complex characteristics of existing systems. Data mining algorithms can be implemented to estimate relative permeability with reasonable accuracy for real applications without running laboratory or computer simulation experiments. This paper aims at presenting predictive correlations for relative permeability for carbonate rocks using data-driven approaches. To achieve this aim, a scatter plot matrix was applied to analyze 225 experimental datasets, including almost 3800 relative permeability data points (observations), for predicting relative permeability. Since relative permeability measures are often unavailable exactly at residual oil saturation and connate water saturation (known as endpoints); consequently, cubic equations were fitted and solved to precisely determine these points. Next, a symbolic regression algorithm was developed to predict relative permeability in different situations: when endpoints are available or unavailable and when the rock wettability is clear or not. For this purpose, all 225 datasets were divided into training and testing groups. The correlations were tested to predict testing data, which the symbolic regression algorithm has never seen before. Finally, the most accurate correlations were presented, and a detailed analysis was carried out. The results showed a good agreement between the real and the predicted data. The developed correlations proved to be very efficient in predicting the relative permeability accurately.

The purpose of this study was to identify the behavioral experiences and psychological coping of women who were victims of an extramarital affair. The method of the study was applied and qualitative phenomenological. The population of this study included women who were victims of marital infidelity in Tehran in 2016. The sampling was purposefully continued until saturation and finally 18 female victims were selected and participants were interviewed in depth. Colaizzi content analysis method was used to analyze the data. The data analysis resulted in the identification of 2 main themes, 8 subthemes, and 38 basic concepts. The main themes of coping and adaptive behavioral responses include 1) relying on hobbies and favorite activities, 2) adapting to spouse, 3) seeking treatment and counseling, 4) companionship, 5) trying to change existing conditions, and 6) worship and praying. The main themes of maladaptive behaviors and responses include: 1) confrontations and maladaptive behavioral responses that focus on self and 2) confrontations and maladaptive behavioral responses that focus on spouse. Overall, the results of this study showed that the experiences of women who were victims of marital infidelity have behavioral consequences and hard and sometimes growth-oriented coping.

Background: The thymus is the first lymphoid organ formed to regulate a newborn’s immunity. It reaches its maximum size during puberty, after which it undergoes an atrophic procedure called involution, but its ability to grow again in response to some stresses, such as infections, neoplasia, surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is maintained. There is no comprehensive study on computed tomographic features of thymus in dogs. So, the goal of the present study is to gain better insight into the thymus using computed tomography as a non-invasive method. Methods: One hundred and fifty dogs classified in five age groups and five breed groups were recruited to this study and the thymus was evaluated using a 2-slice computed tomography machine. The inclusion criteria for the present study were having a normal complete blood count, plain and post-contrast CT scan examination of the thoracic region and no history of neoplasia, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The visibility, density, enhancement, grade, size, volume, shape, borders and lateralization of the thymus were evaluated and statistical analysis was performed. The effect of obesity on thymic grade and volume was also investigated. Results: The visibility, density, dorsal length, volume and grade decreased with increasing age. The thymic shape and lateralization were mostly wedge shaped and left sided, respectively. The borders became concave with aging and increasing body fat content caused an increase in the fatty degeneration of the thymus. Conclusions: Declining thymic density, grade, size and volume with aging are related to thymic involution and fatty degeneration was accelerated by increasing body fat content. Females and males were different only in thymic shape and small and large breeds were different only in thymic volume. The thymus was visible in some geriatric dogs with no underlying disease. We expect that the present work can be used by radiologists in reading thoracic computed tomography but investigation of thymic characteristics in dogs with neoplasia and history of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and thoracic surgeries can complete this study.

Infectious bronchitis in birds, caused by a coronavirus, is a highly contagious viral disease that causes economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. It affects the respiratory, urinary, and genital tracts, and control and prevention are focused on vaccination and biosecurity measures. This study compares histopathological lesions caused by IB88, H120, and IB4-91 vaccines in broiler chickens aged 1 to 5 days. One hundred Ross 308 chickens were divided into four groups: group 1 received the IB4-91 vaccine, group 2 was administered the H120 vaccine, group 3 received the IB88 vaccine, and group 4 served as the control group. Over a period of five days, starting from the second day, five chickens from each group were randomly selected and euthanized. Histopathological samples were collected from the trachea, lungs, and kidneys, processed into slides, and examined under an optical microscope for comparative analysis. When comparing the control and vaccinated groups, there were significant differences regarding histopathological indicators. These included hyperemia and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the kidney, lung hyperemia, infiltration of inflammatory cells, necrosis of respiratory epithelium, and hyperplasia of tracheal mucous cells. Differences were noted between the IB4-91 and H120 groups regarding inflammatory cell infiltration, respiratory epithelium necrosis, tracheal mucous cell hyperplasia, and renal hyperemia. Similarly, variations were observed between the IB88 and H120 groups regarding respiratory epithelium necrosis and tracheal inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, differences were identified in tracheal mucosal hyperplasia and renal hyperemia between the IB4-91 and IB88 groups. These findings highlight distinct histopathological responses induced by different vaccines in broiler chickens and emphasize the importance of vaccine selection in poultry health management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health care workers are at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19 disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the emotional reactions of physicians who have recovered from Covid-19 disease. In the present study, was used the phenomenological method. The population of this study included physicians recovering from coronavirus disease in Yazd city. Sampling was purposefully selected and interviewed unstructured and in-depth. Colaizzi method was used to analyze the data. Data analysis led to the production of 2 main themes, 6 sub-themes, 10 sub-themes and 50 basic concepts. The first theme was "Positive Emotional Reactions." Positive emotional reactions included a series of reactions that included sub-topics: 1. Hope and motivation, 2. happiness from having a medical job, 3. Emotion adjustment. The second main theme was "Negative Emotional Reactions." Negative emotional reactions included a series of reactions that included: 1- Depression, 2- Anxiety 3- Anger. Overall, the results of this study showed that the experience of patients with Covid-19 has severe and adverse consequences, and sometimes growth, which was categorized into two main axes. This article is an approach to further study of psychological reactions.

Marriage empowerment programs seem to have significant effects on the functionality of families.The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a marriage monitoring program. The research method of this study is sequential exploratory mixed-method. In the first step, 45 internal and external studies related to this research were selected to identify the criteria, executive processes, and the content of the marriage monitoring program through checklist-based systematic review (CAPS). Following the collection of the program protocol and applying the translate-retranslate technique, fifteen specialists including family therapists, couple therapists, and university professors evaluated the content validity (CVR), face validity, and reliability of the program. The measurement tools used in this process were Relationship Check-up questionnaire: areas of strength (RMCQ-S) including 32 items, Relationship Check-up questionnaire: areas of concerns (RMCQ-C) including 43 questions, and Marriage Checkup Questionnaire: Relationship domains Assessment (MCQ-R) including 64 questions. The results indicated the content validity of the Relationship Strengths questionnaire (CVR= 0.76), the Relationship Concerns questionnaire (CVR=0.71) and the Relationship domains questionnaire (CVR=0.66). The value of Kappa coefficientin in this study, was 0.71 percentage of agreement among the evaluators indicating high reliability. Also, the Cronbach's alpha for the scales used in the study was obtained in the relationship monitoring questionnaire: Areas of strength: 0.85,Areas of concern 0.89, and marriage checkup questionnaire: relationship domains assessment 0/81. The results indicated that the marriage monitoring program functions as a preventive and motivational intervention by examining different aspects of marital relationships.