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Objective: This study was designed to explore the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale (IMP-S). Method: This cross–sectional and psychometric study was performed on a sample of 491 parents in Iran who had at least one child in their home and were selected using the convenient sampling method. The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale (IMP-S), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Parental Authority Questionnaire, and the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale were ‎conducted on the sample. The validity of the IMP-S was assessed by factor analysis and Pearson correlation coefficients, while reliability was calculated by Cronbach’s alpha. Results: At first, the whole data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis based on the original English version of the IMP-S. The proposed hypothesized factor solution was not good enough (CMIN / DF = 7.06. RSMEA = 0.081, CFI = 0.732, SRMR = 0.0860). Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis led to a three-factor structure for the 28 items, which included mindfulness toward the child, mindfulness about oneself and emotional awareness of parenting. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the data was more fitted with this new three-factor solution (CMIN / DF = 2.06, CFI = 0.82, NFI = 0.715, RMSEA = 0.065, SRMR = 0.0795). The IMP-S was found to have a positive correlation with trait mindfulness, reassured self, and authoritative parenting style, whereas this association for the IMP-S and hatred self, inadequate self, and authoritarian parenting style was negative. The reliability of the whole scale was 0.84 and it was 0.77, 0.83, and 0.68 for the first, second, and third subscales, respectively. Conclusion: It seems that the Persian version of the IMP-S with three factors can better evaluate mindful parenting among the Iranian population. In contrast to people from other countries, Iranian people perceive mindfulness toward themselves and their children during parenting practice as two distinct issues.

Background: Developmental delay in preterm infants was estimated to be more common than term infants. Identifying the factors predisposing to developmental delay can help experts and health professionals in this field to prevent developmental delay of the infants, and leads to better management of the condition of them. This study aimed to evaluate and investigate the predisposing factors of developmental delay in preterm infants in the first year of their lives. Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 87 preterm infants were enrolled in the study by convenience sampling during the period of April 2016 to the end of March 2017 from two educational hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Imam Hussein hospital and Mahdiyeh hospital). Demographic and other initial data such as age, sex, gestational age, and the data about clinical problems observed at birth were collected through infantschr('39') medical records and were recorded in a special form for each infant. Also, the ASQ test was used to assess infantschr('39') developmental status at one year of age. Results: Based on the findings, 23 infants (26.4%) had the abnormal developmental condition at the end of one year. There was a significant relationship between infantschr('39') developmental status and their age, birth height, one-year-old weight, one-year-old height, duration of ventilator use, Apgar scores at first and twentieth minutes, seizures, reflex reduction, pneumonia, breastfeeding status in the first year of life, Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), receiving occupational therapy services, and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings at one year of age. Among these variables, only breastfeeding status in the first year of life was able to predict infantschr('39') developmental status at the end of one year (OR=0.18). Conclusion: This study showed that the risk of developmental delay in preterm infants who are breastfed in the first year of life or fed the combination of breast milk and supplemental feeding is one-fifth lower than other preterm infants who were not breastfed.

Background and Aim: Given the increasing variety of biological drugs in the world and the significant role of these drugs in patientschr('39') quality of life, as well as the high risk of drug productions, biopharmaceutical companies need to revise their business model. The purpose of this study is to review the dimensions and components of biopharmaceutical companies. Materials and Methods: This is a comprehensive review and is based on the existing studies by searching valid databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, SID, Iran doc and Google Scholar from 2000 to 2019. All the searches were performed based on keywords such as “Components of Business Model”, and “Business Model of Biopharmaceutical Companies”. The initial search yielded 820 articles. After screening, 23 articles were selected for final study. Results: The overall dimensions of business model in biopharmaceutical companies are identical to other companies, but the components of the business model of these kinds of companies are various based on their performance, and the most important components include the value proposition, key resources, success factors, revenue stream and cost structure. Conclusion: Introducing the components of business model in this study can be adjusted based on the dimensions of business model and the characteristics of each biopharmaceutical company.

Background: Echinococcus granulosus is a worldwide zoonotic cestode that lives mainly in the intestine of dog as definitive host. Its larval stage infects intermediate hosts and forms hydatid cysts mainly in the liver and lungs tissues and less other organs such as brain, eye and bone. In the experimental models, inoculation of protoscoleces into the peritoneum, thoracic cavity, subcutaneous and cerebrum produces hydatid cysts. Experimental echinococcosis in the animal models provides a good opportunity for study of the parasite-host relationship, different transmission ways of infection in the intermediate hosts and effect of new drugs. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Veterinary School, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran in 2018. In this study, cerebral hydatidosis was investigated in 6 female Wistar rats weighing (200±20 gr). For this purpose, protoscoleces were collected from hydatid cysts of infected sheep liver. Overall, 300 protoscolices were injected directly in the lateral ventricle by an insulin syringe through the implanted cannula. Results: After 4 months of inoculation, multiple thin-walled, transparent hydatid cysts were observed in the rat skull. All cysts were infertile. The cysts were localized prominently on the cerebral cortex and lesser in the parenchyma and ventricles. The cyst walls consisted of three layers consist of the outer layer (fibrous capsule), two parasitic layers and the endocyst layer (germinal layer). The cyst was surrounded by the inflammatory cells consist of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first experimental cerebral hydatidosis arisen from larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus in the animal model.

Objective: This study was designed to explore the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale (IMP-S). Method: This cross-sectional and psychometric study was performed on a sample of 491 parents in Iran who had at least one child in their home and were selected using the convenient sampling method. The Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale (IMP-S), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Parental Authority Questionnaire, and the Forms of Self- Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale were conducted on the sample. The validity of the IMP-S was assessed by factor analysis and Pearson correlation coefficients, while reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha. Results: At first, the whole data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis based on the original English version of the IMP-S. The proposed hypothesized factor solution was not good enough (CMIN/DF = 7.06. RSMEA = 0.081, CFI = 0.732, SRMR = 0.0860). Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis led to a three-factor structure for the 28 items, which included mindfulness toward the child, mindfulness about oneself and emotional awareness of parenting. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the data was more fitted with this new three-factor solution (CMIN/DF = 2.06, CFI = 0.82, NFI = 0.715, RMSEA = 0.065, SRMR = 0.0795). The IMP-S was found to have a positive correlation with trait mindfulness, reassured self, and authoritative parenting style, whereas this association for the IMP-S and hatred self, inadequate self, and authoritarian parenting style was negative. The reliability of the whole scale was 0.84 and it was 0.77, 0.83, and 0.68 for the first, second, and third subscales, respectively. Conclusion: It seems that the Persian version of the IMP-S with three factors can better evaluate mindful parenting among the Iranian population. In contrast to people from other countries, Iranian people perceive mindfulness toward themselves and their children during parenting practice as two distinct issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Objectives: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to chronic pain of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) associated with headache, neck pain, shoulder pain or back pain. The origin of these pains may be related to TMD. Many patients with chronic headache undergo different treatments for long periods of time with no cure. These headaches can be treated with proper diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TMD in patients with chronic pain. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of TMD was evaluated in 119 patients with chronic headache. Patients with headache for more than 6 months and those whose headache did not improve with medication were included. The research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders RDC/TMD (AXIS I, AXISII) questionnaire was used for assessment of TMD. Independent t-test was used to assess the correlation of TMD with headache and age. Chi square test was used to compare males and females. Results: A total of 119 patients with a mean age of 36.14±10.86 years (range 18-65 years) were evaluated. Of patients, 30% were males and 70% were females. The prevalence of TMD was 66%.The prevalence of mayofacial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) was 11%. The prevalence of pain, clenching, trismus and clicking was 15.1%, 4.2%, 5% and 10.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of TMD was high in patients with chronic headache. Thus, assessment of TMJ is recommended in diagnostic workup and treatment of patients with chronic headache. Keywords: Temporomandibular disorder; Chronic pain, Headache.

Background:In recent years, the success in management of thalassemic patients, has allowed for some previously unrecognized complications including renal abnormalities to emerge. This prospective study aimed to investigate kidney iron overload by means of MRI T2* and also renal function based on laboratory tests for early markers of glomerular and tubular dysfunction among adult Iranian transfusion-dependent thalassemia major patients. Subjects and Methods: Two-hundred and two patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major were included in this study in Zafar Adult Thalassemia Center, Tehran, Iran. For all patients, kidney MRI T2* as well as evaluation of BUN, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, sodium (Na), potassium (K), total protein, albumin, cystatin C, serum ferritin β2-microglobulin, NAG (N-acetyl-beta-D-Glucosaminidase), and urine protein were performed. Results: One-hundred and fourteen female and 88 male transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major patients with mean age of 30.1 ± 9.4 participated in the present study. We found that 77.7% of our patients had kidney hemosiderosis based on MRI T2*. Also, 67 patients (33.2%) had elevation of serum cystatin C, and 104 patients (51.5%) had reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR). Increased urinary excretion of NAG and hypercalciuria were found in 50% and 79.2% of participants, respectively. Conclusion: Renal hemosiderosis and asymptomatic renal dysfunction are prevalent among transfusion- dependent β-thalassemia major patients which necessitate regular screening with early markers of glomerular and tubular dysfunction. Further studies in order to investigate the correlation between renal hemosiderosis and early markers of kidney dysfunction among these patients are recommended.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii, is a mandatory intracellular protozoa, that many people worldwide are infected with. In children, the infection enters central nervous system and leads to inflammation of the gray matter. Autism, is a complex develop-mental disorder, altering social communication, with unknown origin. Neuropathologi-cal changes in autism are the same as those occurred in brain toxoplasmosis. The objective of this survey was to evaluate positive serology of toxoplasma gondii, in autistic children. Methods: This case-control study was done on 3-12 years old children, referring to the neurology and psychiatry sub-special clinics of Baqiyatallah hospital and also autistic children of Omid-e Asr and Navid-e Asr general rehabilitation centers in Tehran, Iran. The study performed at 2012-2013. Forty autistic children were placed in the case group and 40 children, suffering from no neuropsychiatric disease or other ones, were placed in the control group. A folder, containing demographic data, type of the disor-der, onset of diagnosis and child characteristics at birth, such as time of birth (preterm/ term) fulfilled for each child. Sampling was done with 5 ml blood, for determining IgM and IgG antibody levels against toxoplasma gondii, using ELISA method. Data ana-lyzed by the software SPSS ver. 17 and descriptive and analytic analysis were done, us-ing central and dispersion indexes and also chi-Square test. Results: The autistic group contained 34 boys and 6 girls (85 and 15 percent respectively), with the average age of 6 (±2.71) years old [minimum of 2.33 and maximum of 12]. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 4.01 (±1.87) years old. 87. The non-autistic group contained 17 boys and 23 girls (42.5 and 57.5 percent respectively), with the average age of 5.67 (±3.09) years old [minimum of two and maximum of 12]. IgM and IgG serology of all autistic children were negative, while in non-autistic group, 2.5 percent (1 child) were positive and 97.5 percent (39 ones) were negative. There were no statistically significant difference among these two groups according to the serology results. (P=0.31). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in comparing positive se-rology of toxoplasmosis, between the two groups. However, to obtain a perfect result, a larger sample size are required.

Background: This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of bovine thelaziosis, performed in the southeast of Iran, an endemic area for Iranian Sistani cattle. Methods: Between September 2012 to October 2014, 1924 cattle, Sistani breed (n= 1235) and Brahman breed (n=689) of all sex and age groups collected from Sistan and Baluchestan Province were examined using visual observation of the eyes by flushing the conjunctival sac and lachrymal duct with sterile saline solution. Results: The overall prevalence for thelaziosis was 50 of 1924 cows (2. 6%; 95% CI: 1. 9-3. 3%), with significant higher prevalence of infection in Sistani breed than in Brahman breed (3. 15% vs 1. 59%). Sixty adult worms (84. 5% of females and 15. 5% of males) were collected from the conjunctiva of the infected cattle: Thelazia gulosa (50/60, 83. 3%) was the most represented species followed by Thelazia. rhodesi (10/60, 16. 7%). The number of worms collected per cow ranged from one to seven (average ± standard deviation: 2. 08 ± 1. 49). Worms were gathered from cows throughout all months of the year. The difference in the seasonal variations of prevalence and the intensity of infection were significant, however, no significant correlation between prevalence, sex and age of cattle was noted. Conclusion: Bovine thelaziosis needs special attention by veterinarians in the differential diagnosis of ocular manifestations and considering its impact on cattle production.

Introduction: The supply chains of medical equipment and necessities in healthcare centers are highly complex, diverse, and dynamic, making optimal selection and purchase a specialized and challenging task. This research aimed to design an intelligent decision support system that could aid the expertise process of purchasing medical supplies. Methods: In this developmental-applied and descriptive-survey study, we used artificial intelligence, fuzzy sets, and neural networks as well as MATLAB software to design a model that could simulate the decision-making process of experts in the purchase of medical supplies by predicting the score of medical supplies after obtaining information. The required data was extracted from the website of the General Directorate of Medical Equipment and Knowledge of Specialists in 2022. Results: The results showed that a three-layer perceptron neural network, with a mean square error of 0.0011 and an overall correlation of 0.97, could be used as a suitable decision aid in the evaluation and selection of medical supplies. Conclusion: The use of an intelligent decision support system can greatly aid the expertise process of purchasing medical supplies, thus helping the healthcare system to preserve resources and improve the quality of healthcare services. The high speed and accuracy of processing data by using neural networks, one of the most effective methods for learning and generalizing, can assist experts in purchasing medical supplies and lead to optimal decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No Abstract.

Background: Cognitive problems in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include poor concentration and impaired memory. Prevalence of PTSD in all aspects of life is 8% in USA. Regarding the importance of memory in functional levels, this study was performed to review memory status in these patients. Methods: Fifty male war veterans with PTSD and major depression and 50 male non-veterans with depression participated in this study performed at psychiatric outpatient ward in Baqiyatallah hospital during 2008-2009. The patients met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Depression severity, sex, age, educational level, and marital status were matched in both groups. A psychologist completed demographic and Mississippi questionnaires, PTSD checklist (PCL), beck depression Inventory and wechsler memory scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 11.0). A P-value smaller than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the veterans and non-veterans was 43.9±4.7 and 42±9.4 years, respectively. Memory status did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between duration and severity of PTSD with memory impairment (P>0.05). A negative correlation was found between personal and general information with re-experiencing in the veterans (P

The field of endocrine pharmacology is very wide but most of studies in the recent years from the world and Iran have focused on diabetes, osteoporosis, and lipid disorders. In the present review, we tried to evaluate the improvements and publications in that field briefly. Interestingly, many of studies have focused on agents that have traditional and natural origin. Although few basic studies have gone on the direct line to complete preclinical and some clinical trial studies, there are many non-clinical studies that have proved efficacy of many compounds in endocrine diseases but these studies were not continued at clinical stages to reach a drug. However, it is appreciable that, some researchers have given novel ideas that deserve investment by grant bodies to reach out valuable works. We believe that science of endocrine pharmacology is still young and more quality studies are still needed to introduce effective medications for diseases like diabetes and osteoporosis or even obesity and lipid disorders. Keywords: Pharmacotherapy, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Lipid disorders, Emerging therapies

"nBackground: Efforts have been made worldwide to identify and to study parasites of laboratory animals, aiming at the achievement of proper procedures for eradication of parasitic infestations, considering the important role of these animals in scientific research. There is no sufficient data about parasitic infestations of Laboratory animals which are kept in conventional systems in Iran. In this scope, peresent study was designed to investigate the presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites in conventionally maintained laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) and in mices (Mus musculus). "n "n Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 240 randomly selected rats and mice from two different animal houses in Kerman city, Iran. Skin scraping; blood samples and alimentary tract contents of all animals were fully examined for the presence of parasitic infections. "n "n Results: In the first animal house, Nosopsylla fasciatus (flea), Hymenolepis dimminuta, Entamoeba muris and Cryptosporidium spp. infestation were diagnosed respectively in 35.41%, 36.1%, 3.57%, and 1.25% of rat colonies but only Entamoeba muris infestation was detected in 4.58% of mice colonies. In the second animal house, 2.5% and 2% of rat and mice colonies were infected by Entamoeba muris. "n "n Conclusion: Based to presence of asymptomatic parasitic infection in conventionally maintained laboratory animals, regular periodical samplings, precise sanitary monitoring of barrier maintained system, environment and food seem necessary in animal houses. Eradication of parasites could eliminate the confounding effects of these infections on researches and additionally decrease the risk of zoonotic disease transmission to investigators and animal house personnel's.

Background: Parasitological investigations on paramphistomosis were carried out over a 12-month period in the southeast of Iran to determine the prevalence and intensity of this disease. Methods: A total of 1000 cattle, Sistani breed (n= 450) and Brahman breed (n= 550) of all sex and age groups were inspected at random for the presence of paramphistomidae flukes in Zabol slaughterhouse from December 2012 to Octo-ber 2013. Results: Paramphistomes were found in 369 of 1000 necropsied cows (36.9%; 95% CI: 30.1-41.9%), with significant higher prevalence of infection in Brahman breed than in Sistani breed (51% vs 19.3%). No significant correlation between prevalence, intensity of infection, sex and age of cattle was noted. Despite the dif-ference in the seasonal variations of prevalence, and the relation between the inten-sity of infection and season, these were not statistically significant. The mean inten-sity of infection in Brahman breed was higher (652.66 ± 281.5) than Sistani breed (123.32 ± 32.2). The identification of stained trematodes to the species revealed 40, 20, 20, 15 and 5% Gastrothylax crumenifer, Cotylophoron cotylophorom, Paramphistomum cervi, Carmyerius spatiosus, Explanatum explanatum, respectively. Conclusion: The present results will contribute to our understanding of the epi-demiology of paramphistomumosis in southeastern Iran.

Background: Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is mosquito-borne filarial nematode capable of causing serious cardiopulmonary disease in canines and felines, and pulmonary dirofilariasis in man. This research was conducted with the objectives of determining the incidence and assessing possible risk factors of canine heartworm in the southeast of Iran. Methods: From October 2012 to September 2013, blood samples from 87 dogs from Zabol area in Sistan and Baluchestan and 33 dogs from Bam area in Kerman Province were examined for detection of Dirofilaria immitis using modified knott test and serology. Results: Out of 120 dogs, 29 (24.2%; 95%CI: 16.6-31.8%) were positive, serologically.The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dog in Zabol and Bam was 27.5%(95% CI: 24.7-32.5%) and 15.15% (95% CI: 12.3-20.7%), respectively. 28.8% of stray dogs and 20.6% of housed dogs in the study areas were seropositive. Seroprevalence of D. immitis was not significantly different between stray and housed dogs (P=0.295). Investigation of seasonal dynamic of infection with D. immitis in stray and housed dog showed that the proportion of infected dog in spring and summer was greater than colder season (autumn and winter) which was not significant.The prevalence of infection with D. immitis in >5 years old stray dogs (53.8%)was greater than other age categories while in housed dogs infection rate was greater in 3-5 years old (27.3%) . Conclusion: It is important to point out the increased incidence of canine heatrworm in Iran. In order to stop the spread of canine heartworm, preventive measures must be taken now.

Background: In this experiment, abdominal cavity of 518 Iranian Sistani cattle and 498 Brahman cattle were inspected for the presence of Setaria spp. from April 2012 - May 2013. Methods: The species were determined by microscopic examination of the mor-phological characteristics of the anterior and posterior parts of the parasites and authentic guidelines. Results: The overall prevalence of Setaria spp. was 28.6% and 36.5%, respectively and this difference was significant (P

Background: Vancomycin is used abundantly in patients undergoing HSCT, especially during neutropenic fever. Despite its widespread use little is known about vancomycin pharmacokinetics in HSCT patients. We conducted this study to investigate vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters in our HSCT patients and to evaluate current dosing regimen based on trough vancomycin concentrations measurement. Methods: Vancomycin serum concentration at steady-state was determined prospectively in 46 adult HSCT patients who received vancomycin as empirical treatment of neutropenic fever. Individual steady-steady pharmacokinetic parameters were also determined in 20 patients who had two vancomycin levels from an administered dose, assuming one-compartment model. Acute kidney injury was also evaluated in our patients during vancomycin therapy. Results: Mean (±SD) apparent volume of distribution (L/kg) and clearance (mL/min) were 0.6 (± 0.33) and 109.7 (± 57.5) respectively. With mean (±SD) total daily dose of vancomycin 31.9 (±10.5) mg/kg/day that was administered, more than 90 % of measured vancomycin trough concentrations were outside the range of 15-20 mg/L and 54.3% of patients had trough concentrations below 10 mg/L. Of 46 patients, 21 patients (45.7%) developed acute kidney injury (AKI) during vancomycin therapy; among them 19 patients were receiving nephrotoxic drug(s) concomitantly. Conclusion: Current vancomycin dosage regimen could not lead to recommended therapeutic serum concentrations in our patients. Large variation in vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters observed among patients of this study along with difference of vancomycin pharmacokinetics in our study and other similar studies further explain the need for therapeutic drug monitoring and individualization of vancomycin dosing.

Objective: The aim of our study is to determine the impact of cochlear implantation on anxiety anddepression in mothers of children with cochlear implant. Materials and methods: In a Cohort design, 35 mothers of deaf children with cochlear implantion admitted to the clinic of Baqiyatallah hospital during January 2008 – January 2010 were selected through systematic sampling. Information of demography, depression and anxiety are obtained from the parents by checklist and beck questionnaires, respectively. Results: Mean depression and anxiety scores in cochlear implant candidates were more than cochlear implant recipients. The difference was significant in depression and anxiety (P=0.001). Conclusion: It seems that cochlear implant use leads to decrease of depression and anxiety but still high prevalence of these complications than the normal population.

Different research groups have extensively studied the associations of cytokine gene polymorphisms in different diseases. The role of cytokines gene polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis (MS), as a chronic Immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease, has been previously reported in the various populations. For determining pro-inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms, 100 relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) Iranian patients and 140 normal individuals as control enrolled in this study. DNA of each sample was extracted by a modified salting out method. Cytokine single gene nucleotide polymorphisms including IL-1α -889, IL-1β (-511 and +3962), IL-1R pst1 1970, IL-1RA mspal 11100, and TNF-α (-308 and -238) were determined by using the PCR-SSP method. The results of our data indicate the decrease in frequency of IL-1α TC-889 genotype (p=0.002), IL-1β TC +3962 genotype (p=0.004), IL-1R T pst1 1970 allele (p= 0.0001), IL-1 RA TC Mspa1 11100 genotype (p=0.009), TNF-α A-308 allele (p=0.0002) and AG genotype (p=0.00001) in the patients group versus normal subjects. On the other hand the frequency of IL-1α TT -889 genotype (p=0.028), IL-1R C pst1 1970 allele (p=0.0001) and CC genotype (p=0.00006), TNFα G -308 allele (p=0.0002) and GG genotype (p=0.000001) decreased significantly in the patients versus normal subjects. These results suggest that polymorphic variations of these pro-inflammatory cytokines may play an important role in susceptibility of Iranian multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: Echinococcus granulosus is a worldwide zoonotic cestode that lives mainly in the intestine of dog as definitive host. Its larval stage infects intermediate hosts and forms hydatid cysts mainly in the liver and lungs tissues and less other organs such as brain, eye and bone. In the experimental models, inoculation of protoscoleces into the peritoneum, thoracic cavity, subcutaneous and cerebrum produces hydatid cysts. Experimental echinococcosis in the animal models provides a good opportunity for study of the parasite-host relationship, different transmission ways of infection in the intermediate hosts and effect of new drugs. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Veterinary School, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran in 2018. In this study, cerebral hydatidosis was investigated in 6 female Wistar rats weighing (200±20 gr). For this purpose, protoscoleces were collected from hydatid cysts of infected sheep liver. Overall, 300 protoscolices were injected directly in the lateral ventricle by an insulin syringe through the implanted cannula. Results: After 4 months of inoculation, multiple thin-walled, transparent hydatid cysts were observed in the rat skull. All cysts were infertile. The cysts were localized prominently on the cerebral cortex and lesser in the parenchyma and ventricles. The cyst walls consisted of three layers consist of the outer layer (fibrous capsule), two parasitic layers and the endocyst layer (germinal layer). The cyst was surrounded by the inflammatory cells consist of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first experimental cerebral hydatidosis arisen from larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus in the animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the success in management of thalassemic patients, has allowed for some previously unrecognized complications including renal abnormalities to emerge. This prospective study aimed to investigate kidney iron overload by means of MRI T2* and also renal function based on laboratory tests for early markers of glomerular and tubular dysfunction among adult Iranian transfusion-dependent thalassemia major patients. Subjects and Methods: Two-hundred and two patients with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia major were included in this study in Zafar Adult Thalassemia Center, Tehran, Iran. For all patients, kidney MRI T2* as well as evaluation of BUN, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, sodium (Na), potassium (K), total protein, albumin, cystatin C, serum ferritin ß2-microglobulin, NAG (N-acetyl-beta-D-Glucosaminidase), and urine protein were performed. Results: One-hundred and fourteen female and 88 male transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia major patients with mean age of 30.1 ± 9.4 participated in the present study. We found that 77.7% of our patients had kidney hemosiderosis based on MRI T2*. Also, 67 patients (33.2%) had elevation of serum cystatin C, and 104 patients (51.5%) had reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR). Increased urinary excretion of NAG and hypercalciuria were found in 50% and 79.2% of participants, respectively. Conclusion: Renal hemosiderosis and asymptomatic renal dysfunction are prevalent among transfusiondependent ß-thalassemia major patients which necessitate regular screening with early markers of glomerular and tubular dysfunction. Further studies in order to investigate the correlation between renal hemosiderosis and early markers of kidney dysfunction among these patients are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of bovine thelaziosis, performed in the southeast of Iran, an endemic area for Iranian Sistani cattle. Methods: Between September 2012 to October 2014, 1924 cattle, Sistani breed (n= 1235) and Brahman breed (n=689) of all sex and age groups collected from Sistan and Baluchestan Province were examined using visual observation of the eyes by flushing the conjunctival sac and lachrymal duct with sterile saline solution. Results: The overall prevalence for thelaziosis was 50 of 1924 cows (2. 6%; 95% CI: 1. 9-3. 3%), with significant higher prevalence of infection in Sistani breed than in Brahman breed (3. 15% vs 1. 59%). Sixty adult worms (84. 5% of females and 15. 5% of males) were collected from the conjunctiva of the infected cattle: Thelazia gulosa (50/60, 83. 3%) was the most represented species followed by Thelazia. rhodesi (10/60, 16. 7%). The number of worms collected per cow ranged from one to seven (average ± standard deviation: 2. 08 ± 1. 49). Worms were gathered from cows throughout all months of the year. The difference in the seasonal variations of prevalence and the intensity of infection were significant, however, no significant correlation between prevalence, sex and age of cattle was noted. Conclusion: Bovine thelaziosis needs special attention by veterinarians in the differential diagnosis of ocular manifestations and considering its impact on cattle production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parasitological investigations on paramphistomosis were carried out over a 12-month period in the southeast of Iran to determine the prevalence and intensity of this disease. Methods: A total of 1000 cattle, Sistani breed (n= 450) and Brahman breed (n= 550) of all sex and age groups were inspected at random for the presence of paramphistomidae flukes in Zabol slaughterhouse from December 2012 to October 2013. Results: Paramphistomes were found in 369 of 1000 necropsied cows (36.9%; 95% CI: 30.1-41.9%), with significant higher prevalence of infection in Brahman breed than in Sistani breed (51% vs 19.3%). No significant correlation between prevalence, intensity of infection, sex and age of cattle was noted. Despite the difference in the seasonal variations of prevalence, and the relation between the intensity of infection and season, these were not statistically significant. The mean intensity of infection in Brahman breed was higher (652.66 ± 281.5) than Sistani breed (123.32 ± 32.2). The identification of stained trematodes to the species revealed 40, 20, 20, 15 and 5% Gastrothylax crumenifer, Cotylophoron cotylophorom, Paramphistomum cervi, Carmyerius spatiosus, Explanatum explanatum, respectively. Conclusion: The present results will contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of paramphistomumosis in southeastern Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is mosquito-borne filarial nematode capable of causing serious cardiopulmonary disease in canines and felines, and pulmonary dirofilariasis in man. This research was conducted with the objectives of determining the incidence and assessing possible risk factors of canine heartworm in the southeast of Iran. Methods: From October 2012 to September 2013, blood samples from 87 dogs from Zabol area in Sistan and Baluchestan and 33 dogs from Bam area in Kerman Province were examined for detection of Dirofilaria immitis using modified knott test and serology. Results: Out of 120 dogs, 29 (24.2%; 95%CI: 16.6-31.8%) were positive, serologically. The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dog in Zabol and Bam was 27.5% (95% CI: 24.7-32.5%) and 15.15% (95% CI: 12.3-20.7%), respectively. 28.8% of stray dogs and 20.6% of housed dogs in the study areas were seropositive. Seroprevalence of D. immitis was not significantly different between stray and housed dogs (P=0.295). Investigation of seasonal dynamic of infection with D. immitis in stray and housed dog showed that the proportion of infected dog in spring and summer was greater than colder season (autumn and winter) which was not significant. The prevalence of infection with D. immitis in >5 years old stray dogs (53.8%) was greater than other age categories while in housed dogs infection rate was greater in 3-5 years old (27.3%) . Conclusion: It is important to point out the increased incidence of canine heatrworm in Iran. In order to stop the spread of canine heartworm, preventive measures must be taken now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii, is a mandatory intracellular protozoa, that many people worldwide are infected with. In children, the infection enters central nervous system and leads to inflammation of the gray matter. Autism, is a complex developmental disorder, altering social communication, with unknown origin. Neuropathological changes in autism are the same as those occurred in brain toxoplasmosis. The objective of this survey was to evaluate positive serology of toxoplasma gondii, in autistic children. Methods: This case-control study was done on 3-12 years old children, referring to the neurology and psychiatry sub-special clinics of Baqiyatallah hospital and also autistic children of Omid-e Asr and Navid-e Asr general rehabilitation centers in Tehran, Iran. 40 autistic children were placed in the case group and 40 children, suffering from no neuropsychiatric disease or other ones, were placed in the control group. A folder, containing demographic data, type of the disorder, onset of diagnosis and child characteristics at birth, such as time of birth (preterm/ term) fulfilled for each child. Sampling was done with 5 ml blood, for determining IgM and IgG antibody levels against toxoplasma gondii, using ELISA method. Data analyzed by the software SPSS ver. 17 and descriptive and analytic analysis were done, using central and dispersion indexes and also chi-Square test. Results: The autistic group contained 34 boys and 6 girls (85 and 15 percent respectively), with the average age of 6 (±2.71) years old [minimum of 2.33 and maximum of 12]. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 4.01 (±1.87) years old. 87. The non-autistic group contained 17 boys and 23 girls (42.5 and 57.5 percent respectively), with the average age of 5.67 (±3.09) years old [minimum of two and maximum of 12]. IgM and IgG serology of all autistic children were negative, while in non-autistic group, 2.5 percent (1 child) were positive and 97.5 percent (39 ones) were negative. There were no statistically significant difference among these two groups according to the serology results. (P=0.31). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in comparing positive serology of toxoplasmosis, between the two groups. However, to obtain a perfect result, a larger sample size are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this experiment, abdominal cavity of 518 Iranian Sistani cattle and 498 Brahman cattle were inspected for the presence of Setaria spp. from April 2012 - May 2013. Methods: The species were determined by microscopic examination of the morphological characteristics of the anterior and posterior parts of the parasites and authentic guidelines. Results: The overall prevalence of Setaria spp. was 28.6% and 36.5%, respectively and this difference was significant (P<0.05). Out of 148 Sistani cattle which were infected with Setaria, 51(34.4%) were infected with S. digitata, 31 (20.9%) were infected with S. labiatopapillosa, 65 (43.9%) showed mixed infection of S. digitata and S. labiatopapillosa and one case (0.6%) was infected with mixed infection of S. labiatopapillosa, S. digitata and S. marshalli. These values were 87 (47.8%), 27 (14.8%), 67 (36.8%) and 1 (0.5%) for 182 infected Brahaman cows, respectively. The proportion of infected cattle in spring and summer was greater than cooler season (autumn and winter) significantly (P<0.001). The prevalence of infection with Setaria in 2-3 years old Sistatni cattle (42.2 %) was greater than other age categories (P<0.05). Furthermore, the infection rate between males (25.5%) and females (37.3%) Iranian Sistani cattle showed significant difference (P =0.009). Conclusion: It is important to point out the presence of cerebrospinal setariosis, namely in sheep, goats and horses in the investigated area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vancomycin is used abundantly in patients undergoing HSCT, especially during neutropenic fever. Despite its widespread use little is known about vancomycin pharmacokinetics in HSCT patients. We conducted this study to investigate vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters in our HSCT patients and to evaluate current dosing regimen based on trough vancomycin concentrations measurement. Methods: Vancomycin serum concentration at steady-state was determined prospectively in 46 adult HSCT patients who received vancomycin as empirical treatment of neutropenic fever. Individual steady-steady pharmacokinetic parameters were also determined in 20 patients who had two vancomycin levels from an administered dose, assuming one-compartment model. Acute kidney injury was also evaluated in our patients during vancomycin therapy. Results: Mean (±SD) apparent volume of distribution (L/kg) and clearance (mL/min) were 0.6 (± 0.33) and 109.7 (± 57.5) respectively. With mean (±SD) total daily dose of vancomycin 31.9 (±10.5) mg/kg/day that was administered, more than 90 % of measured vancomycin trough concentrations were outside the range of 15-20 mg/L and 54.3% of patients had trough concentrations below 10 mg/L. Of 46 patients, 21 patients (45.7%) developed acute kidney injury (AKI) during vancomycin therapy; among them 19 patients were receiving nephrotoxic drug(s) concomitantly. Conclusion: Current vancomycin dosage regimen could not lead to recommended therapeutic serum concentrations in our patients. Large variation in vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters observed among patients of this study along with difference of vancomycin pharmacokinetics in our study and other similar studies further explain the need for therapeutic drug monitoring and individualization of vancomycin dosing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to determine and compare the attitude of hospital staff and practice of hospital managers regarding management of conflicts in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical sciences. Materials and Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were 330 individuals, including 300 nurses and 30 managers, working in hospitals affiliated to Tehran university of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran during 2008-2009. Data were collected using a valid selfadministered questionnaire containing 30 questions designed by the investigator. The SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results: The data show that 178 of the staff (59%) and 14 of the managers (47%) were of the opinion that avoidance is not utilized in conflict management. The proportions of the staff and managers believing that problem solution is not utilized in conflict management were 60% and 60%, respectively; the corresponding proportions as regards not utilizing avoidance were 178% and 14%. Furthermore, 40% of the staff and 13% of the managers thought that usually compromise is utilized in conflict management. Finally, the proportions of staff and managers who thought that in conflict management accommodation is utilized were 41% and 43%, respectively. Conclusion: The findings show that the hospital staff believes that hospital managers with an avoidance, problem solution or forcing attitude base their conflict management style accordingly, while managers more inclined to compromise do not utilize a compromising approach in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of our study is to determine the impact of cochlear implantation on anxiety and depression in mothers of children with cochlear implant. Materials and methods: In a Cohort design, 35 mothers of deaf children with cochlear implantion admitted to the clinic of Baqiyatallah hospital during January 2008 - January 2010 were selected through systematic sampling. Information of demography, depression and anxiety are obtained from the parents by checklist and beck questionnaires, respectively. Results: Mean depression and anxiety scores in cochlear implant candidates were more than cochlear implant recipients. The difference was significant in depression and anxiety (P=0.001). Conclusion: It seems that cochlear implant use leads to decrease of depression and anxiety but still high prevalence of these complications than the normal population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]