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Abstract Introduction: Numerous studies have shown that climate change will have a severe impact on water resources around the world. In the present research, we have tried to investigate the occurrence of drought in Shiraz region under the conditions of climate change. Methods: In this research, using 4 models of the Sixth Climate Change Report and two scenarios, rainfall data was generated for the next two periods, and after microscaling, the severity of drought was determined using the SPI index with different time scales. The length of the base period of the analyzed data in the current research was 20 years and related to the time period of 1985-2005. Findings: Microscale results using the BCSD method indicate an increase in temperature in both future periods. According to the results, it can be seen that the difference of the MIROC6 model in both emission scenarios with the observed values was greater than the other GCM models used. According to the results of the current research, in all the models used and in both scenarios, the 20-year average values ​​of the six-month SPI index show the most negative values. In addition, the comparison of models and scenarios in the present study shows that the CanESM5 model shows a higher intensity of drought with a small difference than other models. Also, the results of the average values ​​of the SPI index show that this index shows the severity of the drought with a time scale of 48 months.

The current study investigates the effects of outdoor classrooms on the third-grade male students learning in science lessons. A pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental field research are conducted using experimental and control groups. A study sample of 54 male students at a school in Shiraz was selected by the non-random multi-staged sampling method. Exams developed by the researchers were taken from both groups of students on two occasions, before and after they received nine consecutive science lessons within their respective learning environments. The results evaluated by Multivariate Covariance Analysis (MANCOVA) revealed that students' exam performance in open space increases up to 17.36%, 20.72%, and 21.15% for 'advanced,' 'proficient,' and 'below basic' students, respectively. There is a meaningful relationship between having classes in an open space and students' exam scores. This relationship depends on their performance and complexity and comprehension of the question levels.

Aim: This study explores the diverse factors influencing the eye care adherence of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Shiraz. The lack of effective strategies in Iran to improve eye care behaviors and reduce retinopathy incidence in diabetes patients necessitates this research. The goal is to assess factors that affect this adherence. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shiraz, Iran during 2022–2023. This study's primary data collection tool was an exhaustive questionnaire. This was carefully designed to include various sections, each focusing on different aspects relevant to the study's aim. Result: The study found that being female, married, literate, and overweight resulted in more annual ophthalmology visits. Possessing additional insurance and adhering to diabetic controls and care were positively correlated with ophthalmology visits. Less reliance on family income or loans led to better eye care. The shorter duration of diabetes and proximity to a diabetic care unit were crucial factors for improved eye protection. Conclusion: This study offers insights into the various factors affecting eye care utilization patterns among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Shiraz. The study's findings underscore the significance of demographic factors in influencing individuals' engagement in self-care practices and their access to eye care services. Further research is needed to delve into the cultural and sociodemographic determinants underlying these trends, which will aid in developing treatments that cater to the diverse needs of individuals with diabetes.

Background: Environmental factors significantly impact the quality of school open spaces, creating small-scale collective areas that can positively influence student health. Among these factors, thermal health is crucial in promoting well-being. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Sky View Factor (SVF) on physiological and mental thermal health of secondary school girls in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: A quantitative structural research method was applied in this study. Physical health assessment was conducted using Standard Effective Temperature (SET) and physiological equivalent temperature (PET) models based on ASHRAE55 and ISO7730 standards. Mental Thermal Health was calculated using Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) models with Fanger equation. Digital thermometer, thermo- hygrometer, and anemometer Testo were used to collect temperature, humidity, and wind data on the 15th day of April until June 2022. Additionally, the radiation temperature was determined using Energy Plus v8/7. SVF for each station was determined through spherical photography with Nikon Coolpix 4500 camera. Thermal health simulations were carried out using Raymanv1.2. The correlation between SVF and thermal health values was examined using SPSS version 26.Results: Among the six stations, Station 3 had the highest SVF (0/853) and was the warmest, while Station 2 had the lowest SVF (0/442) and was the coolest throughout the studied period. As SVF decreased, both physiological and mental thermal health values increased.Conclusions: Resting areas near shady trees showed reduced SVF and improved students’ thermal health. Moreover, our results indicated that the impact of SVF on physiological thermal health was more significant than mental thermal health.

Abstract Background The present research aimed to investigate the relationship between electronic learning and emotional and cultural intelligence in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences nursing students who entered the university in the years 2021 and 2022. Methods This is a cross-sectional and correlational study conducted in the School of Nursing in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. 172 nursing students who were studying in the academic year 2021–2022 participated in this study. 90 nursing students in 2021 and 82 in 2022 entered the university. Using Morgan’s sampling table, we selected 118 nursing students as the statistical sample. Due to the emergence of the Covid-19, available sampling was used. To collect the data, we used three emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, and e-learning questionnaires. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression tests were employed to analyze the data. Results It was shown that there was a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and e-learning with students’ cultural intelligence. In addition, there was a significant relationship between electronic learning and emotional intelligence dimensions. Also, there was a positive and significant relationship between e-learning and the dimensions of cultural intelligence. The optimism, strategic, and motivational components could predict electronic learning in students. Discussion and conclusion According to the findings of the research, e-learning is a new teaching method that was used in Iran following the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world and provides many educational opportunities for the educational system of the country. It exists, prompting experts and curriculum specialists to examine e-learning and its influencing factors seriously and comprehensively. When students are at a favorable level in terms of emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence, they can accept electronic learning and improve and develop it.

Introduction: The main element of being a student is learning and pursuing knowledge. A student is an individual who has a strong motivation for seeking knowledge and increasing his/her insight to increase the level of scientific information and deepen his understanding. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between academic motivation and academic performance of medical students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran).Methods: This research was an applied descriptive-analytical study. The study population was all the clinical medical students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran). McInerney’s standard academic motivation questionnaire was used to collect the required data for the study. The study population was 293 clinical students who were selected as a sample.Results: Based on the results of this study, there was a significantly positive correlation between the level of academic performance of clinical medical students and the dimensions of academic motivation including the tendency to acquire ability (P=0.043, r=0.118), tendency to perform (P=0.013, r=0.146), and tendency towards external goals (P=0.034, r=0.124). The results of this study also showed that only the dimension of motivation for academic progress had no significant correlation with the academic performance of clinical students (P=0.096, r=0.098).Conclusion: In general, the findings of this research indicated that academic motivation in students was one of the factors influencing academic performance, and with the increase of a student’s motivation to progress, their academic performance also improves.

Abstract Background The basic science course is the foundation of medical knowledge, and how and in what form the teaching of this course is a vital issue. A successful curriculum should include everything medical students need in their future careers. Basic science education should be such that students clearly understand the relationship between the content and its application in clinical practice. Therefore, the need to change the curriculum of the general medicine course, especially course of the Basic science, in content and layout in an integrated way is felt more than before. This study was designed to explain the experiences of medical students from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences since the implementation of integration in 2020. Methods The present study was qualitative research with a conventional content analysis method. Participants were selected for the interview purposefully. They included 12 Medical students from basic and clinical sciences and 5 faculty members. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and the content analysis method. Four methods of Goba and Lincoln were used to evaluate the accuracy of the data. Results After summarizing and analyzing the data, 221 codes were extracted. They were divided into seven subcategories and finally, three main themes including Enjoyable experiences (advantages of the integration system), Upsetting experiences (Disadvantages of the integration system), Resolutions to solving integration problems were extracted. Generally, the findings indicated a positive evaluation of medical students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from the integration system, and they stated that the integration causes an interaction between basic and clinical sciences and also increases students’ motivation. Conclusion The findings indicated a positive evaluation of Shiraz’s medical students of the integrated system. According to the results of this research, it can be said; that the use of integration horizontally and vertically in medical education improves the quality of education compared to traditional methods. The integration of basic and clinical science is important in the sense that can be a powerful tool for learning and acquiring skills, also, it can also help in the promotion of professional development of students and motivate them to study more in interactive manner and be loyal to lifelong learning. study generally showed that combining theoretical and practical courses has advantages and disadvantages, but its advantages are more. Paying attention to the shortcomings, especially in the supply of human resources and professors, and reforming the program with continuous revision are issues that education managers and medical educators of the general medical practice should address.

Introduction: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity in which there is a poor prognosis. Viruses, including human papillomavirus (HPV) play an important role in the etiology of this cancer. Methods: This case–control study enrolled 100 individuals with diagnosed oral cancer in the case group and an equivalent number of 100 healthy individuals in the control group. Over the course of 1 year, samples were collected from Khalili Hospital in Shiraz, Iran. Tissue specimens were procured from diverse oral regions, with specimens from the healthy group exclusively sourced from the tonsillar area. Patient inclusion criteria involved manifestations like oral swelling, facial pain, tongue abnormalities, tongue paralysis, and tumors or swellings in the inner lip, gums, or chin. A questionnaire facilitated the collection of demographic data, covering variables such as age and gender. The subjects had a mean age of 53.66 ± 1.38 years, with a gender distribution of 70 individuals (34%) female and 130 (65%) males. Tissue specimens underwent molecular analysis using Nested‐PCR to detect HPV presence. Results: Analysis unveiled HPV identification in two cases within the control group and 14 cases within the case group, revealing a statistically significant disparity (p value = 0.008) which may be correlated to incidence of OSCC within the case group. Further exploration disclosed a predilection for HPV localization in the tongue, followed by the laryngeal region. A significant association was established between the sampling site and HPV incidence (p = 0.004). Conclusion: This investigation unveiled a compelling connection between the site of sampling and HPV infection, a phenomenon pronounced particularly among individuals grappling with oral cancer. This underscores potential relationship between the site of sampling and HPV infection within the context of oral carcinoma. The findings of this study underscore HPV's role as a significant risk factor in the initiation of oral cancer in individuals. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that additional factors, including age and gender, also contribute to this intricate process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractOverexploitation of natural resources and the environment during urban development has led to numerous environmental challenges in cities. This study aimed to identify the key criteria for establishing sponge eco-city pavements using environmental technologies and assess the importance and performance of these criteria in Shiraz. The research adopted an applied approach and utilized a descriptive survey method to analyze the importance-performance of environmental technology components in sponge eco-city pavements. Initially, a Delphi study was conducted, involving 30 expert panel members selected through a snowball sampling method. Following multiple sessions, the criteria with the highest scores were identified through an importance-performance analysis. The findings revealed that permeability and cost-effectiveness were the most and least important criteria with values of 3.78 and 3.30, respectively. In terms of performance, load bearing capacity and water storage capacity scored the highest and lowest with values of 3.16 and 3.04, respectively. The importance-performance matrix positioned permeability and water storage capacity in the 1st quarter, stability and load bearing capacity in the 2nd quarter, strengthening the underground ecosystem in the 3rd quarter, and affordability in the 4th quarter. Ultimately, the study emphasized the prioritization of permeability and water storage capacity, which held the highest weights of 2.646 and 2.442, respectively. thus, they should receive primary attention in the development of pavements in Shiraz.Keywords: Eco-City, Sponge City, Ecological Approach, Pavement, Shiraz CityIntroductionRapid urbanization, unplanned urban development, and recent climate changes have had detrimental effects on human settlements and the environment. Consequently, adoption of environmental technologies to achieve a balance between environmental protection and mitigation of the adverse impacts of development has gained significant global importance in creating sustainable societies. In response to water challenges and environmental degradation, the concept of the sponge eco-city initially proposed in China holds promise in addressing environmental issues, enhancing human well-being, fostering growth and development, and achieving sustainability within communities. The sponge eco-city emphasizes the integration of environmental considerations into all physical structures within urban spaces, aiming to harmonize city development with the natural environment and advance the principle of sustainability by aligning human and ecological processes in urban settings. In light of this, the present research endeavored to analyze the importance-performance of fundamental environmental technology components in the pavements of the sponge city of Shiraz with an ecological approach. MethodologyThis study focused on Shiraz, a prominent city in Iran and the capital of Fars Province. It was an applied research with a descriptive nature, employing a survey method through a questionnaire. The documentary section involved gathering theoretical data related to environmental biotechnology, urban ecological approach, sponge city, etc., from articles, books, statistical reports, and relevant documents. In the field section, a questionnaire was used to collect additional data. The Delphi panel comprised 30 experts, including professors specializing in urban planning and management, crisis management, natural resources, and urban environment. They were selected through the snowball sampling method. The identified criteria were presented to the expert panel. Following multiple sessions, the criteria with the highest scores were analyzed using the importance-performance analysis method. Research FindingsThe study revealed that the permeability component held the highest importance with a value of 3.78, while the cost-effectiveness component had the lowest importance at 3.30. Regarding performance, the load-bearing capacity component scored the highest at 3.16, whereas the water storage capacity component had the lowest score at 3.04. Additionally, the positioning of each component in the importance-performance matrix indicated that the components of permeability and water storage capacity were situated in the 1st quadrant, signifying high importance but low performance. This presented a significant weakness in Shiraz City system, necessitating immediate attention and implementation of improvement strategies. Sustainability and load-bearing capacity positioned in the 2nd quadrant demonstrated desirable performance in these areas and recommended maintaining and preserving this situation. The component of underground ecosystem enhancement fell in the 3rd quadrant, indicating low importance and low performance and suggesting a relatively negligible role in the system's efficiency and resilience. The component of cost-effectiveness placed in the 4th quadrant, represented nonessential strengths that could be better utilized by reallocating resources to strengthen other components. Ultimately, based on the weighted prioritization, permeability and water storage capacity with the highest values of respectively 2.646 and 2.442 had to be earnestly considered as fundamental priorities for improving the pavement system in Shiraz City.Discussion of Results and ConclusionThe findings suggested that the pavements in Shiraz should be constructed or reconstructed based on the principles of sponge eco-city structures. This type of pavement allows rainwater to be stored in the lower layers during rainy days and released as water vapor on sunny days. Essentially, rainwater is stored in an underlying sand layer, creating favorable conditions for the growth of tree roots and microorganisms and leading to the decomposition of absorbed pollutants and enrichment of the ecological system with nutrients, thereby promoting flourishing and diversification of the underground ecosystem and urban biology. Permeable pavement presents a viable alternative to traditional impervious pavements, mitigating adverse environmental impacts across various city areas. Rapid urbanization and unplanned urban development in Shiraz have altered land use patterns, leading to conversion of land into urban construction, expansion of roads, increased impervious surfaces, loss of valuable environmental resources, diminished agricultural lands, reduced and polluted water resources, intensified heat island effect, habitat destruction, and decreased biodiversity. Consequently, decision-making institutions, planners, and urban managers in Shiraz should prioritize the sponge eco-city approach in future development plans as a necessity to address the myriad challenges of urbanization and achieve sustainable development goals.

Introduction: Dietary supplement consumption has increased worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption in patients referred to the dermatology clinic of Shahid Faghihi Hospital (Shiraz, Iran).Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study which was conducted in 2022-2023. 192 people, who were referred to the dermatology clinic, were selected and asked to answer a questionnaire. The questionnaire had three major sections including demographic characteristics, specific information related to supplements, and the participant’s underlying diseases and habits. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. All the tests were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05.Results: 135 (70.3%) participants were women, and 57 (29.7%) were men. The use of supplements was reported in only 23.4% of the studied population. The majority of the participants (68.9%) consumed the supplements for 1 to 3 months and at least 3 days a week (71.1%). The majority of the consumers (60%) used supplements that were not prescribed by their physician. Most supplement users (62.2%) believed that the long-term use of the supplement was not dangerous, while the majority of them (73.3%) stated that they did not know when to take the supplement. Besides, the prevalence of complications among the users was 6.7%. There was also a statistically significant relationship between income level and supplement consumption (P

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death and recent studies have highlighted the potential role of dietary carbohydrate indices in cardiovascular health. Given the controversial results in this field, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between low carbohydrate dietary score (LCDS) and CVD risk factors in a population of Iranian adults. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted within the framework of the Shiraz Heart Study (SHS) including 1982 adults. The validated 168 items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess participants’ dietary intakes. To investigate the association between LCDS and cardiometabolic risk factors, logistic regression, was conducted. Results During 5 years of follow-up, a total of 1982 adults, with a mean age of 53.07 ± 8.38 years, were included to the analysis. The adjusted model based on known confounding factors (age, sex, smoking, physical activity, energy intake and body mass index) revealed a significant decrease in a body shape index (ABSI) (OR = 0.70, 95% CI= (0.50 to 0.98), P = 0.038) comparing highest LCDS tertile vs. the reference. In contrast, risk of hypertension (HTN), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were not significantly associated with LCDS. Conclusion Current findings suggest that adherence to a low carbohydrate diet reduces ABSI, a main indicator of central obesity.

Housing has always been one of the most important spaces for people to live and provide mental peace and well-being. Nowadays, with the increasing population growth and demand for housing in cities without taking into account psychological issues, less attention has been paid to the role of residential building design in human health and stress factors. In modern and industrial societies, due to having mechanized habits, human life now more than ever needs nature not only for physical but also for mental well-being. Considering that the presence of nature and plants in the environment is considered as one of the effective factors in human mental health, biophilic design can be effective in establishing the connection between humans and nature in their daily living environments and play a significant role in improving human mental health and reducing stress in the home environment. The aim of the present research was to identify the impact of biophilic architectural elements on reducing stress in housekeeping women in residential complexes in Shiraz city. The present research, due to its concurrent use of quantitative and descriptive methods, possesses a mixed paradigm and is practically oriented. Data collection methods include documentary, fieldwork, and questionnaire surveys. To this end, 26 residential complexes from ten municipal regions of Shiraz have been purposefully selected in a non-probabilistic manner. The questionnaires were completed by housewives, and the collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods through SPSS software, ANOVA tests, regression statistics, and determining the significant levels of components. Based on the data and tests conducted, among the fourteen introduced components, the shelter factor had the highest impact with a score of 3.64%, followed by water presence with 3.43% impact, and non-rhythmic sensory stimuli with 3.02% impact, showing the most effectiveness in reducing stress among women in residential complexes. On the other hand, non-visual connection with nature was the least effective factor in reducing stress among women in residential complexes with a score of 2.7%. In conclusion, it can be said that the incorporation of biophilic elements in the design of residential complexes can lead to a reduction in stress among housewives.

The aim of this research is to investigate and analyze the resilience to flood hazards in Region 3 of Shiraz city. The current study utilized a combination of quantitative data extracted from statistical documents, written reports, and questionnaire data obtained from survey studies. The research sample consisted of 30 crisis management and resilience experts from Region 3 of Shiraz municipality. The sample size was determined using theoretical saturation method and snowball sampling technique. To determine the weighting of indicators and their importance in resilience, the Shannon entropy method was employed. In addition, the resilience of the study area regions was evaluated using the Copras method. The results of the study indicate that in the four dimensions (physical, economic, social, and institutional) examined, Regions 6 and 5 perform better in terms of resilience to flood hazards, while Regions 7 and 2 show poor performance in resilience variables against floods.

Introduction The issue of administrative corruption has become a pressing matter in Iran, affecting various aspects of the society. Corruption is a persistent and complex problem that perpetuates human underdevelopment through harmful cycles. According to Transparency International Organization, it involves the exploitation of entrusted power for personal gain. Despite the widespread presence of corruption within Iranian society, current evidence from both internal and external sources suggests that the education system conflicts with academic institutions as a particularly influential source of corrupt behavior. Academic corruption is a well-known phenomenon in Iranian universities with numerous examples, such as scientific fraud, plagiarism, forgery, distortion, academic black market, and buying and selling of articles appearing in the country's universities. Some investigators consider academic corruption as a form of scientific corruption, while others define it as encompassing all forms of unethical and improper conduct committed by educational advocates that violate ethical, social, legal, or institutional guidelines for personal or organizational gain with detrimental effects on an institution's objectives and principles. Despite the long-standing use of the term "academic corruption" in Iran's scholastic context, it remains largely unexplored from a scholarly perspective. Materials & Methods This study utilized qualitative methodology and a grounded theory approach to explore the perspectives of academic activists, including professors and doctoral students, on various aspects related to fraudulent practices in academia, such as contexts, causes, strategies, and repercussions. Grounded theory is a research method that involves deriving theoretical constructs directly from the data collected over time for analytical purposes. The research followed the Strauss and Corbin’s paradigm model, which is a systematic plan for grounded theory methodology. The focus was on professors and doctoral students from Shiraz and Yasouj universities, who were selected based on their experiences with academic corruption. A sample of 25 participants was chosen through theoretical sampling and semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached, meaning that no new features or characteristics related to academic corruption and its causes were identified. The collected information underwent a three-fold coding process, including open, axial, and selective coding methods, to facilitate the analysis of the results. This process led to the identification of a core category or primary classification, which was represented in a paradigm model. To ensure the accuracy of the findings, two researchers independently analyzed and coded the data using analytical techniques. Additionally, member feedback was collected to assess the validity of the communication and respondent validation was employed through continuous comparison checks by using the codes developed by the investigators to assess the reliability of the research results. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The findings of this study revealed that corruption in academia was influenced by various factors. The primary causal conditions included the presence of oil money, a deficient administrative system, and compromised institutional independence. In addition, poor awareness of corrupt practices and inadequate monitoring mechanisms acted as the intervening circumstances that facilitated academic misconduct. Situational factors, such as departmental culture and individual work experience, as well as background guidelines like university policies, also played a significant role in promoting fraudulent activities within higher education institutions. On the other hand, academic activists employed strategies, such as student alienation, deliberate silence, two-way blackmail, outsourcing, hostage-taking, and strategic cooperation, to further their corrupt practices. The consequences of academic corruption were commodification of science, emergence of an academic proletariat, alienation, moral dilemmas, decline in credibility and trust in universities, and institutionalization of corruption in the society. Based on the results, it could be concluded that university corruption operated as a double-edged sword, benefiting both the structure and the activist in the short term but leading to negative outcomes in the long run. This meant that the political structure and system, by prioritizing the quantity of articles produced through scientific research, could showcase their standing in the global community, while academic scholars benefited from the publishing papers and projects. However, this approach had drawbacks for both parties involved. The articles evaluated solely based on quantity did not directly correlate with production or economic growth, resulting in limited social welfare within a country. Moreover, the professors and students, who prioritized the publishing quantitative content might experience a sense of alienation as they grappled with conflicting emotions regarding their moral principles. It is important to recognize that this win-win mentality perpetuates corruption within the university system, creating a reproductive cycle that continues into the future.

Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease worldwide, and is often associated with outbreaks of diarrhea in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis assemblages in individuals attending major public hospitals in Shiraz, southwestern Iran. From August 2022 to May 2023, a total of 614 stool samples from individuals were collected and initially examined for G. duodenalis cysts using parasitological techniques, sucrose flotation, and microscopy. Microscopy-positive samples were validated by SSU-PCR amplification of the parasite DNA. A multilocus genotyping (MLG) scheme, which focused on the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) and the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes, was employed for genotyping purposes. G. duodenalis cysts were found in 7.5% (46/614) and 8.5% (52/614) of samples through microscopy and SSU-PCR, respectively. Successful amplification and sequencing results were obtained for 77.3% (17/22) and 45.5% (10/22) of the infected samples at the tpi and gdh loci, respectively. MLG data for the two loci were available for only five samples. Out of the 22 samples genotyped at any loci, 54.5% (12/22) were identified as assemblage A, while 45.5% (10/22) were identified as assemblage B. AII was the most predominant sub-assemblage identified [54.5% (12/22)], followed by BIII [27% (6/22)], discordant BIII/BIV [13.6% (3/22)], and BIV [4.5% (1/22)]. In the present study, no assemblages suited for non-human animal hosts (e.g., CF) were detected. This suggests that the transmission of human giardiasis in Shiraz is primarily anthroponotic. Further molecular-based analyses are necessary to confirm and expand upon these findings. These analyses will also help determine the presence and public health importance of the parasite in environmental samples, such as drinking water.

Background: Health literacy is known as an important determinant of health and a causal factor in health differences between population groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral health literacy and oral health status of pregnant women referring to dental clinics of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.Methods and Materials: The current research was a cross-sectional study on 250 pregnant women aged 18 to 36 years who referred to health care centers covered by Shiraz University of medical sciences. All participants were evaluated in terms of literacy and oral health performance using OHL-AQ standard questionnaire, and oral health status were evaluated by DMFT and OHI indices. SPSS version 22 software was used for data analysis.Results: The participants were 250 pregnant mothers with an average age of 27.26 ± 4.63. In terms of education and job status, the group with a bachelor's degree with 46.8% and working mothers with 63.6% participated the most. The score of health literacy was 11/47±3/68 (moderate) and the score of health performance was 22/17±3 (moderate). The score of the DMFT index was 8/7±4/8 and the score of the OHI index was 1/17±0/64. A significant and inverse relationship was found between health literacy and health performance with oral and dental health status (P

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is responsible for most cases of food poisoning all around the world. These carriers and manipulated foodstuffs are the main sources of bacteria transmission to ready-to-eat food. This study aims to determine the genetic affinity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from cream pastries and workers, nasal of Shiraz city confectioneries. Methods: 30 MRSA strains (7 nasal carriers, 23 food isolates) were selected from the bank of bacteria at Shiraz medical faculty. To determine the genetic affinity of the isolates, RAPD-PCR technique was performed using OLP6, OLP11, and OLP13 primers. RAPD-PCR patterns were analyzed using the software GelJ. Results: By using primer OLP6 only 5 RAPD-PCR patterns were produced from DNA ampliqons of creamy pastry isolates and were not enough to compare the genetic affinity of all the isolates. Based on 100% similarity, OLP13 primer produced 20 different patterns with some bands in the range of 1 to 11, and the OLP11 primer produced 22 patterns with some bands from 3 to 11 bands. At closely and possibly genetically related levels, the isolates are categorized into (13-15) and (1-5) clusters. In general, all the isolates are classified into human and food isolates. Conclusions: There was no genetic affinity of MDSA isolates regarding human and food samples; but, a high percentage of close genetic relationship between the isolates increases the possibility of bacteria transfer from humans to pastries and food poisoning

Abstract Introduction Identifying clinical factors that increase the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients is crucial. This enables targeted screening, optimizing treatment, and prevention of severe complications, ultimately reducing death rates. This study aimed to develop prediction models for the death of patients (i.e., survival or death) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Shiraz, exploring the main influencing factors. Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study using hospital-based records of 1030 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, who were hospitalized for treatment between March 21, 2021, and March 21, 2022, in Shiraz, Iran. Variables related to the final outcome were selected based on criteria and univariate logistic regression. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) models were utilized to explore the relationships between potential influencing factors and the final outcome. Additionally, methods were employed to identify the high-risk population for increased mortality rates during COVID-19. Finally, accuracy was evaluated the performance of the models, with the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve(AUC), sensitivity, and specificity metrics. Results In this study, 558 (54.2%) individuals infected with COVID-19 died. The final model showed that the type of medicine antiviral (OR: 11.10, p = 0.038) than reference (antiviral and corticosteroid), and discharge oxygen saturation(O2) (OR: 1.10, p

Abstract Background Acinetobacter baumannii resistant strains lead to increased mortality, treatment costs, and an increase in the length of hospitalization. Nowadays, nanoparticles are considered a substitute for antibiotics. This study aimed to determine the MIC of Silver (Ag) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs) on Biofilm-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii and determine the relationship between MIC and frequency of efflux pump genes in cutaneous specimens in Shiraz, Southwest Iran in 2021–2022. Methods In this study, specimens were collected from April 2021 to June 2022 at Namazi and Faqihi Hospitals in Shiraz. Investigation of biofilm production in multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates was done by the microtiter plate method. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. The MIC of AgNPs and ZnONPs for isolates was done using the method described in the CLSI guideline (2018). The antibacterial effect of MIC of NPs on inanimate objects was done by colony counts. The prevalence of efflux pump genes (adeR, adeC, adeA, abeM, adeK, adeI) was also investigated by PCR technique. Results The highest ceftriaxone resistance (68%) and lowest colistin resistance (7%) were identified. 57% of isolates were MDR. In addition, 71.9% could produce biofilm and 28.1% of isolates could not produce biofilm. The average size of AgNPs and ZnONPs in the present study is 48 and

Background: Understanding the principles of professional ethics is crucial for physiotherapists as it equips them to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively. This study aimed to assess the awareness level of physiotherapists in Shiraz regarding the ethical principles outlined in the codes of professional ethics within the field of physiotherapy. Method: To carry out this cross-sectional study, a checklist comprising 20 items was developed and distributed to 163 physiotherapists practicing in Shiraz. Each item was scored using a 5-point Likert scale. The checklist allowed for a maximum score of 100 and a minimum score of 20. Results: Out of the 163 physiotherapists approached, 109 completed the checklist. The mean score this study's participating physiotherapists achieved was 80.1 ± 6.5. The mean score showed correlations with both age (rs=0.9, p < 0.001) and clinical experience (rs=0.32, p < 0.001) of the physiotherapists. No significant differences were observed in the level of awareness of professional ethics codes between genders (p = 0.99) or among those working in private, public, or mixed sectors (p = 0.39). Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this study indicate that the awareness level of Shiraz physiotherapists regarding the codes of professional ethics is generally good. However, certain codes may benefit from further training and emphasis.

AbstractIntroduction: Flooding in urban areas is increasing due to population growth with improper land use planning and climate change-induced increase in extreme rainfall events. Flood risks have affected the largest proportion of the world's population (45%) compared to other natural disasters and caused 5424 recorded deaths between 2000 and 2017, and if our cities are to be resilient and better able to deal with the consequences of floods. city to cope, it is expected that they will adopt sustainable strategies to adapt to the new climatic and socio-economic conditions. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the resilience of Shiraz city against floods in order to identify areas of low resilience and take the necessary measures to increase it. Their resilience should be done.Methods: The research method of this research is descriptive-analytical and practical in terms of purpose. Based on the background of the research and refinement of the variables based on the conditions of the research area, four dimensions and 24 criteria were determined, including demographic (8 variables), economic (3 variables), environmental (4 variables) and infrastructure (9 variables).Findings: AHP method was used for weighting and access to critical infrastructure for action and recovery has the highest weight with a weight of 0.115, and infrastructure with a weight of 0.395 has the highest weight. The estimated CR of the model is equal to 0.07, which it shows the acceptable accuracy of the model. For zoning, the Vikor model has been used, and based on the output of the model, 9.92% of the area is in the zone with low resilience, where about 16.63% of the population of Shiraz lives in this zone, and about 75.43% of the area is in the zone with medium resilience. 74.56% of the population lives in it, and the area with high resilience is 14.65%, where 8.81% of the population of Shiraz lives.

Labor children, as one of the most vulnerable social classes who have been forced to take to thestreets due to their living and family conditions, are exposed to many physical and mental harm, according to many studies. The aim of this study was to compare attachment styles, psychological hardiness and Subjective Vitalityof labor children and normal children in Shiraz. The research design was causal-comparative. Using convenience sampling method, 48 children aged 7 to 17 years (24 working children and 24 normal children) were selected. The instruments of this study included Hazan& Shaver Adult Attachment Styles Questionnaire (Hazan& Shaver, 1987), Ahvaz Hardiness Questionnaire (Kiamarsi, Najarian, & Mehrabizadeh Honarmand, 1998) and Ryan and Frederick Subjective Vitality Questionnaire (Ryan and Frederick, 1997). After completing the questionnaires, the data was analyzed using Spss software, t-test and multivariate analysis of variance. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the attachment styles of the two groups (P

Normal-weight obesity (NWO), defined as normal body mass index (BMI) but high body fat, is related to chronic health conditions. This study aims to assess the prevalence of NWO and some possible relationships with dietary factors in an Iranian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the participants of the Employees Health Cohort Study, Shiraz, Iran. Based on the anthropometric assessments, participants were categorized into three groups: Normal-weight non-obese, NWO, and Overweight/Obese. NWO was defined as having a normal BMI but high body fat. Body fat was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Then, a 116-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to obtain food intake. Dietary factors included energy intake, macro-nutrients intake, frequency of meals, fried and grilled foods’ consumption, and salt intake. Results: Overall, 1038 participants (513 men and 525 women) were studied with a mean age of 41.04±6.98. 35.9% had normal weight and 63.0% were overweight or obese according to BMI criteria. Based on WHO criteria, the prevalence of NWO was 21.68% and 26.63% among men and women, respectively. Women were more likely to have excess body fat compared with men (P

Background: Youth is a unique stage in everyone’s life. During this period, individuals often engage in high-risk behaviors, including high-speed driving, smoking, sexual behaviors, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and violence. One of the factors influencing these high-risk behaviors is subjective norms. This study aimed to compare the correlation between two types of norms—descriptive norms (DN) and injunctive norms (IN)—with seven high-risk behaviors among college students.Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study focused on the male and female students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected through multi-stage random sampling. An online researcher-made questionnaire, consisting of three parts: demographic information, questions about DN and IN, and questions about the frequency of behaviors, was sent to students. Descriptive analysis and bivariate Spearman’s correlation analysis were performed using SPSS 24.Results: 245 students (66.9% female) participated in the study. In the total population, regular exercise (r=0.179; P=0.005) and fast food (r=0.154; P=0.016) positively correlated with IN. Meanwhile, high-speed driving (r=0.148; P=0.021), drinking alcohol (r=0.198; P=0.002), and sexual relations outside of marriage (r=0.221; P=0.001) had a positive correlation with DN. No significant relationships were observed between aggression and smoking with either of the two types of subjective norms.Conclusion: The findings suggest that the two types of subjective norms do not affect health behaviors equally. Researchers should measure both descriptive and injunctive norms when using behavior change models that include the subjective norms construct.

There are several spaces in cities that are never used, although citizens are allowed to be in them. It seems that these spaces are invisible and do not exist. The existence of these spaces can be caused by various factors, such as weakness in planning and design, or functional and physical limitations. By ignoring them, social and safety issues will arise over time and also they can turn into a weakness for the city. This is despite the fact that many of these spaces have the potential to turn into quality places. This article which is a type of field research, describes the experience of Hamsaakht Urban Activists Society-NGO in revitalizing an urban void adjacent to Sobhani Square in Shiraz, Iran to find how activists and non-governmental organizations can be effective in revitalizing urban voids, with the participation of users, and what challenges do they face in this way? And what effects will the revitalization of this urban void have on other similar spaces in the neighborhood? The current research methodology involves field research using the observation technique of sample members. Activists encourage residents to participate and develop a sensitivity towards the space, to improve their sense of belonging. The aim is to determine whether meaningful physical changes will occur in this place compared to other similar spaces in the Maba’as residential complex and what effects these changes will have on other spaces. The research results indicate that despite the success of tactical urbanism methods, users were hesitant to actively participate in costs and social capital was inadequate due to a lack of trust in city authorities and a generalization to other urban activists. Additionally, a weak sense of belonging was observed due to rental and instable accommodation. However, the project had a positive impact on the municipality and board members of the Maba’as residential complex, and steps have been taken to revitalize similar urban voids.

Objective: Architects, designers, and urban planners often prioritize high-rise buildings, while the spaces between these structures are frequently overlooked. This neglect can diminish both vitality and security in urban environments. Enhancing vitality in these spaces can be achieved through the integration of various forms of public art. This research aims to identify and elucidate the indicators of public art that can enhance vitality in the spaces between high-rise buildings in Sadra Town, Shiraz. Method: This descriptive-analytical study employs applied research methodologies and utilizes a questionnaire for data collection, completed by 22 experts. A total of 16 variables across six dimensions—architectural art, visual-performance art, digital art, street art, sculpture art, and landscape art—were compiled through a review of theoretical studies. The Mic Mac method was employed to analyze the data, identifying both direct and indirect relationships among the 16 variables and establishing their prioritization. The variables were categorized into four groups: two-dimensional variables (goals and risks), independent variables, influential variables, and influenced variables. Results: The study identified climbing plants, tree arrangements, and movie broadcasts as influential variables. Light and lighting equipment, street performances, furniture, flooring, and LED displays emerged as two-dimensional variables. Additionally, street music and festival-related variables were recognized as influential. Independent variables included wall paintings, museums, galleries, sculptures, and sound installations. Conclusions: The findings indicate that light and lighting equipment, street performances, furniture, climbing plants, and LED displays are the most impactful variables. Among these, furniture, lighting, flooring, and street display elements have had the greatest influence on enhancing vitality in urban spaces.

Introduction: Mate selection is one of the most significant decisions that individuals make in their lifetime. This study aimed to predict mate selection criteria based on loneliness and marital attitudes among students in Shiraz.Methods: This research employed a descriptive design. The statistical population comprised all students of the Islamic Azad University of Shiraz branch who studied there in 2022. A sample of 377 individuals (235 women and 142 men) was selected using a step-by-step cluster sampling method. The short form of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S), the Marital Attitude Scale (MAS), and the Mate Selection Criteria Inventory (MSCI) were used for evaluation.Results: The findings were analyzed using the multiple regression method simultaneously, which showed that a realistic attitude towards marriage and socio-emotional loneliness were significant predictors of mate selection criteria. Furthermore, the step-by-step multiple regression analysis revealed that a realistic attitude toward marriage had greater predictive power.Conclusion: A realistic attitude towards marriage leads to the selection of wise criteria and a more logical perspective in mate selection. Individuals with a more realistic attitude towards marriage examine this issue from different aspects and strive to have more logical and balanced criteria for marriage.

Background: Exchange transfusion (ET) is an effective treatment for acute bilirubin encephalopathy and extreme neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (ENH). It can reduce mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the trends and risk factors of ENH requiring ET in hospitalized neonates in Iran.Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of neonates who underwent ET due to ENH was conducted from 2011 to 2021, in Shiraz, Iran. Clinical records were used to gather demographic and laboratory data. The quantitative data were expressed as mean±SD, and qualitative data was presented as frequency and percentage. P