Boyer-Ahmad Province Research Articles

The Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Sheep in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest Iran

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects many different species, including humans. It can cause serious clinical symptoms, including neurological symptoms and abortion. Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent, is particularly concerning due to sheep's extraordinary sensitivity to the disease. It can spread zoonotically through the ingestion of undercooked meat from infected animals. Numerous global investigations have demonstrated that T. gondii seroprevalence in sheep can vary greatly based on biological and environmental characteristics. Methods: To examine the biological and environmental factors that could influence the probability of ovine infection, samples were taken from a subset of sheep kept on 20 farms. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to detect antibodies in sera samples from 247 sheep in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Results: Sixty of the 247 sera examined (24.3%) contained T. gondii antibodies. Among these, 51 (25.4%) of the ewes and 9 (19.6%) of the rams had antibodies against T. gondii. Adult sheep (27.3%) had a greater seroprevalence compared to younger sheep (17.3%). Additionally, there were significant seasonal variations, with wet seasons showing a higher prevalence. Conclusions: Age, cats' access to water sources, the source of drinking water, and the season were all associated with T. gondii seroprevalence.

Prevalence and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection in hemodialysis patients in southwest Iran.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries. Diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in hemodialysis patients is crucial because of the risk of developing active tuberculosis in this population due to attenuated immune response. Herein, we assessed the prevalence of LTBI in hemodialysis patients. In this cross-sectional study, we included all patients referred to hemodialysis centers in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, southwest Iran, in 2018 through census sampling. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was utilized to screen the patients for LTBI. All steps were done by trained physicians. In total, 183 patients (mean age: 59.3, SD= 16.0) were included in the study of which 76 (41.5%) were females, and 107 (58.5%) were males. Neither the patients nor their family members had a history of tuberculosis. Assuming an above 5-millimeter enduration as a positive TST result, 22 patients (12%) had LTBI. None of the demographic or clinical features differed between TST -negative and -positive groups. Hemodialysis patients are prone to LTBI due to several immunological and environmental factors. Screening for LTBI may be beneficial to prevent active tuberculosis in this population.

Trend Analysis of Suicide Mortality and Years of Life Lost from 2016 to 2021 in Southern Iran.

Suicide as the commonest psychiatric emergency imposes a heavy burden on communities. We aimed to evaluate the years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death from suicide in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Data regarding suicidal deaths were extracted from the Forensic Medicine Organization. The YLL of each year were calculated among gender and age groups. The YLL calculation was performed using the 2015 WHO excel calendars template. The Join Point Regression method was used to examine the trend of the crude mortality rate, the standardized mortality rate, and the YLL rate. Overall, 572 people died by suicide between 2016 and 2021 (63.5% in males and 36. 5% in females). The main method of death in most cases was hanging (52.8%). The total YLL due to premature death in the 6 year- period was 9248 (4.2 per 1000 persons) in males, 5602 (2.6 per 1000 persons) in females. Hanging (7909) compromised the largest YLL category between different methods of suicide. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, the 6-year trend of YLL rate due to premature mortality was increasing in males: the annual percent change (APC) was 4.8% (95% CI 1.0 to 8.7, P=0.024) and stable trend for females. The YLL was higher in men than in women. Effective training interventions should be designed and implemented to reduce the incidence of suicide.

Prevalence and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection in hemodialysis patients in southwest Iran

INTRODUCTION. Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries. Diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in hemodialysis patients is crucial because of the risk of developing active tuberculosis in this population due to attenuated immune response. Herein, we assessed the prevalence of LTBI in hemodialysis patients. METHODS. In this cross-sectional study, we included all patients referred to hemodialysis centers in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, southwest Iran, in 2018 through census sampling. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was utilized to screen the patients for LTBI. All steps were done by trained physicians. RESULTS. In total, 183 patients (mean age: 59.3, SD= 16.0) were included in the study of which 76 (41.5%) were females, and 107 (58.5%) were males. Neither the patients nor their family members had a history of tuberculosis. Assuming an above 5-millimeter enduration as a positive TST result, 22 patients (12%) had LTBI. None of the demographic or clinical features differed between TST -negative and -positive groups. CONCLUSION. Hemodialysis patients are prone to LTBI due to several immunological and environmental factors. Screening for LTBI may be beneficial to prevent active tuberculosis in this population.

Traces of a Greek Myth (?) in Subcultures of Lur-Inhabited Regions of Western Iran

This article aims to introduce, explore, and analyse an oral folk tale called “Ahmad Sādāti and His Companions”, common in some Lur villages in Fārs and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces in Iran. The plot and storyline of this tale correspond to those of the myth of Ulysses and the giant Polyphemus in the Odyssey, attributed to Homer. The significance of this study lies in exhibiting the cultural exchange between Greek and local-indigenous subcultures of Iran. Greek and Persian cultures were in constant mutual contact from the mid-sixth century BC until late antiquity, and this contact became closer after Alexander’s campaign and the rise of the Seleucids in Iran. The study area is located on the western margins of the Iranian plateau – the birthplace of two great dynasties of Iranian rulers in ancient times – which redoubles the importance of the issue under investigation.

Cohort profile: the PERSIAN Dena Cohort Study (PDCS) of non-communicable diseases in Southwest Iran

PurposeThis study conducted in Dena County is a population-based cohort study as part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). The specific objectives of this study were to...

Genetic Structure of Macrophomina phaseolina Populations, the Causal Agent of Sesame Charcoal Rot Disease in Iran

Charcoal rot disease, caused by the fungus <i>Macrophomina phaseolina</i>, is one of the most important diseases of Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i>) all over the world. However, the population biology of <i>M. phaseolina</i> is poorly understood. In this study, <i>M. phaseolina</i> isolates from five different regions of Iran (Khuzestan, Fars, Bushehr, Hormozgan, and Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad provinces) (n=200) were analyzed for genetic variation using inter simple sequence repeats marker. In total, 152 unique haplotypes were identified among the 200 <i>M. phaseolina</i> isolates, and gene diversity (H=0.46–0.84) and genotypic diversity were high in each of the regions. The structure analysis clustered five Iranian populations into two distinct groups, the individuals from group 1 were assigned to the Bushehr population and the individuals from Khuzestan, Fars, Hormozgan and Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad were aggregated and formed group 2. The results matched with genetic differentiation and gene flow among regions. Analyses of the distribution of gene diversity within and among five Iranian populations were 61% and 39%, respectively. Our results showed that infected seeds are thought to be the dominant mechanism responsible for the spreading of the pathogen in southern parts of Iran. In summary, it is essential to have local quarantine and prevent seed exchanges between geographical populations to restrict the dispersal of pathogen over long distances and provide certified seeds in Iran.

Epidemiological study of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province (Iran) from 2008 to 2021: A cross-sectional study.

Viral hepatitis is one of the top five reasons people die from infections all around the world. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological features of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. The data were obtained via the census method from the registered hepatitis B and hepatitis C data in the reportable disease care system of Yasuj University of Medical Sciences. The collected data are the result of serological tests. The χ 2 test was used to evaluate the important risk factors forhepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The joinpoint regression was performed to investigate the trend of HBV and HCV in recent years. Here, 1270 cases of hepatitis B and C were identified and reported in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province from 2008 to 2021. The median age of patients was 38 (interquartile range: 31-51), varying significantly according to the type of hepatitis. The most common hepatitis in males was hepatitis C and in females, hepatitis B. Regarding the place of residence, HBV and HCV were both more prevalent in urban areas. The age group of 25-34 years has the highest prevalence of HBV and HCV. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, there is a decrease in the 14-year trend of incidence rate due to total hepatitis B and C: the annual percent change was -5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.4 to -1.9, p = 0.005) for hepatitis B and -0.2% (95% CI: -10.7 to 11.6, p = 0.976) for hepatitis C. This study shows the incidence rate of hepatitis B has been decreasing during the years of study but this trend has been stable for hepatitis C. Also, the highest number of cases of hepatitis B and C were reported in the age groups of 25-34 years. Hence, preventive interventions are vital in reducing the burden of these diseases.

Investigating the Impact of the Rainfall System of April 2018 on the Occurrence of Landslides in Boyer-Ahmad and Dena Counties in Kohgilouye and Boyer-Ahmad Province

Investigating the Impact of the Rainfall System of April 2018 on the Occurrence of Landslides in Boyer-Ahmad and Dena Counties in Kohgilouye and Boyer-Ahmad Province

New data on cave spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Iran, with new species and records.

New data on Iranian spiders is provided based on 92 specimens collected from the interiors or surroundings of 27 caves. These specimens belong to 17 species in nine families, of which five species are described as new to science: Tegenaria pallens Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Gakal Cave, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad Province) (Agelenidae); Dysdera elamana Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Barreh Zard Cave, Ilam Province); and Harpactea zagros Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Raad-e Gharbi Cave, Ilam Province) (both Dysderidae); Troglohyphantes megagynus Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Kabootarlan Cave, Ilam Province) (Linyphiidae); and Mesiotelus iranicus Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Mir Melas Cave, Lorestan Province) (Liocranidae). Additionally, two genera, Scotargus Simon, 1913 and Odontodrassus Jzquel, 1965, and three species, Odontodrassus mundulus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) and Synaphosus syntheticus (Chamberlin, 1924) (both Gnaphosidae), and Scotargus pilosus Simon, 1913 (Linyphiidae), are recorded in Iran for the first time. The newly described and recorded species are accompanied by illustrations.

Faunistic Study of Scorpions in Lendeh County in 2020

Background: Given the importance of scorpion stings and poisonous creatures that cause casualties and fatality to humans and located in the city of Lendeh (in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province) in the tropical zone, this study has been conducted. Objectives: The results can be used in the prevention, control, and treatment programs and for research purposes in the country. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 59 samples were collected from five rural areas of Lendeh county in the summer of 2020. The samples were transferred to the entomology and parasitology laboratory of the Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences. They were identified using stereomicroscope-based diagnostic key scorpions in Iran. Results: In this study, 59 samples from five villages in the summer 2020 collection, including 5 species of 2 families, were identified Buthidae and Liochelidae. Mesobuthus eupeus with 30 samples (50.8%), the dominant species and species Hemiscorpios lepturus with 16 samples (27.1%), Compsobuthus matthiesseni with 10 samples (16.9%), Simonoides farzanpay with 2 cases (3.3%) and any Hottentata schach 1 sample (1.6%) had the lowest reported among the species identified. Conclusions: Considering the importance of scorpion stings in Iran, identifying the fauna of Scorpions seemed necessary. Observation of Hemiscorpius lepturus species in this area as the main cause of death due to scorpion stings in Iran; it can be dangerous for the residents of these areas. Therefore, the present research can be an introduction to continue the work and complete the research on the scorpions of this region.

Investigating the Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries and its Related Factors in Children aged 3-6 Years in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in 2019

Investigating the Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries and its Related Factors in Children aged 3-6 Years in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in 2019

Examining the Completeness of Breast Cancer Pathology Reports Registered in the Population-based Cancer Registration System and Spatial Analysis of the Incidence of this Cancer in Iran in 2016

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, and its incidence has increased in Iran over recent years. Objectives: In this study, we aimed at assessing the completeness of BC pathology reports in the population-based cancer registration system and perform a spatial analysis of the incidence of this cancer in Iran in 2016 to help policymakers develop targeted interventions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis, using secondary data from the Integrated Cancer Information Management System, and obtained 13789 BC pathology reports from all provinces in Iran in 2016. Pathology data, including tumor type, tumor site, tumor size, pathologic T stage, pathologic N stage, and tumor grade were examined for completeness by age group. Results: Pathology reports from 4000 women with BC in 2016 from across all provinces of Iran were selected for this study. The completeness of tumor type, tumor site, tumor size, pathologic T stage, pathologic N stage, and tumor grade increased with aging. In addition, the completeness of pathology reports varied across different variables. Accordingly, the tumor grade and pathologic T stage had the highest and lowest completeness rates (100 % versus 27.4%), respectively. Spatial analysis revealed significant high-risk areas for BC incidence, including Isfahan, Markazi, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces in central Iran. In contrast, North Khorasan was identified as a low-risk area. Conclusions: Considering the incompleteness of the pathology report in most of the tumor variables in the BC registry, we recognize the gaps to improve pathology data. To ensure effective interventions for BC control, tailored preventive measures are needed, particularly for high-risk areas. Continuous evaluation and data completion, including standard cellular pathology reports, are necessary for accurate BC control in Iran.

Geo-climatic risk factors for chronic rhinosinusitis in southwest Iran.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent and disabling paranasal sinus disease associated with some environmental factors. In this study, we evaluated the effect of geo-climatic factors on CRS in a region of southwest Iran. The study mapped the residency addresses of 232 patients with CRS who lived in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province and had undergone sinus surgery from 2014 to 2019. The effects of Mean Annual Humidity (MAH), Mean Annual Rainfall (MAR), Mean Annual Temperature (MAT), maximum MAT (maxMAT), minimum MAT (minMAT), Mean Annual Evaporation (MAE), wind, elevation, slope, and land cover were assessed on the occurrence of CRS using Geographical Information System (GIS). Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. Patients came from 55 points including villages, towns, and cities. In univariate analysis, climatic factors including MAT (OR = 0.537), minMAT (OR = 0.764), maxMAT (OR = 0.63), MAR (OR = 0.994), and MAH (OR = 0.626) were significantly related to CRS occurrence. Elevation (OR = 0.999), slope (OR = 0.9), and urban setting (OR = 24.667) were the significant determinants among geographical factors when analyzed independently. The multivariate analysis found maxMAT (OR = 0.5), MAR (OR = 0.994), elevation (OR = 0.998), and urban (OR = 16.8) as significant factors affecting CRS occurrence. The urban setting is the most critical factor affecting CRS disease. Cold and dry areas and low attitude are the other risk factors for CRS in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, southwest Iran.

An application of social marketing for promoting HIV testing in Iran

BackgroundIt has been estimated that 60,000 Iranians have been infected with HIV/AIDS and only 36% of them are aware of their status. This study aimed to design, implement and evaluate a social marketing campaign to promote HIV testing in Boyer-Ahmad County, Kohgiluyeh, and Boyer-Ahmad Province, southwest of Iran.Materials and methodsThis study was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest without a control group, developed based on a social marketing assessment and response tool. To design the intervention formative research was conducted, comprised of four focus group discussion sessions with 42 participants of the target community along with seven in-depth semi-structured personal interviews with health care providers involved in the HIV/AIDS Program. Data analysis was done manually using content analysis and the main content was formulated for the campaign. Afterward, the slogan and messages of the campaign were developed. The campaign’s materials including banners, posters, pamphlets, referral forms, and short messages were designed, pretested, and revised. Ultimately, the campaign was conducted for one month in October 2019. To determine the effectiveness of the campaign, the rate of referrals to the Center for Behavioral Health Counseling Services (CBHCS), for three months before and after the campaign, was compared.ResultsQualitative findings identified that the majority of the interviewees mentioned that the main reasons for the low rate of referrals to get tested for HIV were lack of awareness and information about HIV/AIDS and its diagnosis as well as the free and confidential tests available from the CBHCS. Moreover, the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS was another important reason for low referrals for testing. The rate of referrals for HIV testing in the three months leading up to the campaign was 18, 32, and 23 people, and three months after the campaign was 64, 81, and 44 individuals; respectively. The results of the multivariate analysis demonstrated that the campaign had increased the rates of referrals for HIV testing through its significant influence on females, and individuals with academic degrees.ConclusionIt can be concluded that the social marketing campaign was successful in persuading people to get tested for HIV.

Barriers to Early Mobility of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit of Hospitals in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran, According to the Perceptions of Physicians, Nurses, and Physiotherapists

Background & Aims The early mobility of a patient hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a very complicated issue and requires coordination between the departments and between all ICU staff, including physicians, nurses, and physiotherapists. Early mobilization program is safe and feasible and has positive results for the patient, medical staff, families, and health system. The present study aims to determine the barriers to early mobility of patients admitted to the ICUs of hospitals in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Materials & Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2020-2022. The study population consists of the ICU staff of hospitals in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, including physicians, nurses, and physiotherapists. Sampling was done by a census method. The data were collected using a demographic form and a researcher-made questionnaire of early mobility barriers of ICU patients and analyzed in SPSS software, version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results In the present study, 174 nurses, physicians, and physiotherapists answered the questionnaire, where 57.8% were female and 59.8% were single. Among the barriers to early mobility, the patient-related barriers had the lowest mean (0.411±0.108) and cultural barriers had the highest mean (0.478±0.146). Conclusion It is necessary to investigate the barriers to early mobility of patients admitted to the ICU of study hospitals, especially the cultural barriers. In this regard, there is a need to design a clinical protocol to manage and reduce these barriers.

A preliminary approach based on numerical simulation modelling and evaluation of permeable reactive barrier for aquifer remediation susceptible to selenium contaminant

In this study, numerical groundwater modelling software (GMS) was applied for a 2D transient state predictive (flow and contaminant fate and transport) conceptual model for heavy metal (Selenium in this research) contaminated groundwater, Imamzadeh-Jafar Aquifer, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. The performances of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) in pollutant removal in the contaminated aquifers were studied by helping the MODFLOW-MT3DMS model. The spatiotemporal distribution of Selenium (Se) contaminant over the aquifer was illustrated using the calibrated flow and contaminant model. According to the findings, the downward movement of Se has resulted in an unsafe and undesirable water quality status in the Imamzadeh-Jafar aquifer, which is supported by field data. The sensitivity analysis of PRB layouts, geometric features, and reactant material characteristics was conducted in groundwater remediation. The numerical model results illustrated that the PRB thickness, ranging from 10 to 500 m, manifested the drop in Se concentration approximately from 40 to 46%. The results shed light on the hydraulic conductivity variations of reactant materials have effects less than 0.5% in Se removals. Furthermore, the decay rate variations in the ranges from 0.0001 to 0.01 d−1 could result in Se removal from 5 to 100%. According to studies, if the contaminant sources are prevented, in a) installation of PRB and b) not installation of PRB scenarios, the Imamzadeh-Jafar aquifer remediation will take 6 months and 84 months, respectively.

Factors Affecting Fear of Local Communities Toward Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran

Factors Affecting Fear of Local Communities Toward Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran

Comparing Actual and Potential Productions of Rangeland Ecosystems of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in Different Rangeland Conditions

Comparing Actual and Potential Productions of Rangeland Ecosystems of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in Different Rangeland Conditions

Phylogeny, Morphology and Pathogenicity of Biscogniauxia mediterranea Causing Charcoal Canker Disease on Quercus brantii in Southern Iran

Charcoal canker of oak, which has recently increased in southern Iran, could pose a serious threat to the entire forest ecosystem in the near future. In addition, it seems that climate change and its consequences, such as drought in the southern regions of Iran, have exacerbated this phenomenon. Consequently, the objective of this study was to identify the fungal pathogens that could cause charcoal canker disease in the oak forests of South Zagros. It was also sought to find associations between changes in the occurrence/exacerbation of charcoal canker disease under non and intense drought stress in non-inoculated or inoculated <i>Quercus brantii</i> seedlings. In total, 120 isolates were obtained from eight oak forests located in the Zagros Mountains of Southern Iran, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad and Fars provinces, which were classified as <i>Biscogniauxia mediterranea</i> based on morphological assessment. Subsequently, molecular assay confirmed the result by phylogenetic inference of internal transcribed spacer–rDNA regions, α-actin, and β-tubulin genes. The results of the pathogenicity test showed that the response of isolates of <i>B. mediterranea</i> (Iran-G1 and Iran-M70) was varied in different environments for the measured necrotic lesion length. In comparison with the control moisture treatments (non-stress), the necrotic lesion length in inoculated treatments increased under intense drought stress. In general, inoculated oak seedlings’ exposure to water-deficient stress by the pathogen of <i>B. mediterranea</i> could affect the spread/severity of the charcoal canker disease.