Fars Province Research Articles

Association between human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) MNS16A polymorphism and risk of breast cancer.

It is well known that telomerase activity is suppressed in normal human tissues and reactivated in tumors, suggesting that the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT, MIM: 187270) gene may be involved in carcinogenesis. A polymorphic tandem repeat minisatellite located downstream of exon 16 of hTERT and upstream in the putative promoter region of an antisense hTERT transcript, termed MNS16A, results in a functional polymorphism. Because the association between the MNS16A genetic polymorphism and breast cancer (BC) risk remains an open question, the present case-control study was conducted in Shiraz (Fars Province, Southern Iran). A total of 711 samples were collected, including 362 BC patients and 349 healthy individuals. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction method. Alleles were determined by classifying DNA amplicons of less than and greater than 300bp as short (S) and long (L) alleles, respectively. Different inheritance models (codominant, dominant, recessive, overdominant genotype models and the allele model) were used to evaluate the association between the MNS16A polymorphism and the risk of BC. No significant association was observed in any of the analyses. It should be noted that the statistical power of the comparisons was low. The present study did not support the association between hTERT MNS16A polymorphism and breast cancer risk. Similar studies in other populations with larger sample sizes are needed to determine the association between the hTERT MNS16A polymorphism and susceptibility to breast cancer.

Detection of Babesia spp., and Theileria spp., in sheep across diverse provinces of Iran

This study aimed to identify the diversity of Babesia and Theileria species in sheep across various regions of Iran using microscopic and molecular techniques, including species-specific PCR and enzymatic digestion. A total of 373 blood samples were collected from sheep during the tick vector activity period, from 2018 to 2021, in provinces such as Tehran, Alborz, Qazvin, Hamedan, West Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Fars.Results showed that 101 samples (27 %) exhibited piroplasms including 78 samples of Theileria spp. and 23 samples of Babesia spp. A molecular approach using general primers detected piroplasm parasites in 145 samples (38 %). Theileria ovis was notably present in 91 samples (24.39 %), followed by Theileria lestoquardi in 24 samples (6.43 %). Babesia ovis infection was detected in 30 samples (8.4 %). Despite extensive molecular evaluation, no other Babesia species, including Babesia motasi, were identified. Co-infections involving T. ovis and T. lestoquardi (4 samples; 1.07 %) and T. ovis and B. ovis (6 samples; 1.60 %) were observed. No Babesia spp. were detected in Kerman and Fars provinces, although T. ovis and T. lestoquardi were present.Blast analysis of the sequences indicated 100 % intra-species similarity, with inter-species similarities of 83.3 % (B. ovis and T. lestoquardi), 84.4 % (B. ovis and T. ovis), and 96.44 % (T. ovis and T. lestoquardi). In conclusion, B. ovis was the main cause of Babesiosis, while Theileriosis was predominantly attributed to T. ovis and T. lestoquardi. Molecular diagnostics play a key role in accurately distinguishing between these species, particularly in cases of co-infection involving Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.

Dogs may carry Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major in their blood circulation: a molecular and hematological study

BackgroundDogs may be infected with species of Leishmania parasites that are disseminated through blood circulation and invade the internal organs. In this study, we aim to detect the parasite in the blood of dogs using the PCR technique. The present work was performed from February 2022 to May 2023 in Fars Province, southern Iran, where the disease is endemic.ResultsIn total, 7(5.1%) out of 135 blood samples, six were identified as Leishmania tropica and one as Leishmania major. We found no trace of Leishmania infantum, which is always known for visceral infection. In addition, no sign of cutaneous lesions or a significant disease was seen in the animals infected with both species. Of 48 dogs with anemia, two were Leishmania positive. The mean value of hematological parameters in the infected dogs was within the normal range except for a significant reduction in the platelet measures (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur data revealed that both Leishmania species, tropica and major, may manifest as viscerotropic leishmaniasis. More investigations are needed to understand the conditions under which these species choose the type of infection. Moreover, our data emphasize the role of asymptomatic dogs in carrying these parasites, a crucial factor in spreading the disease.

Phytochemical composition, hypnotic activity, and antinociceptive properties of cumin essential oil collected from various geographical regions

AbstractThe quantity and quality of the active components of plants are strongly influenced by environmental factors. In this regard, dried cumin seeds were collected from four different locations (SaadatShahr (P1) and Sarvestan (P2) from Fars Province and Kashmar (P3) and Sabzevar (P4) from Khorasan), and their essential oils were isolated by Clevenger apparatus and evaluated using GC and GC–MS. In addition, the hypnotic and antinociceptive activities of the cumin EO sample, which had the highest yield and quality, respectively, were assessed via the pentobarbital‐induced loss of righting test and acetic acid‐induced writhing test. Our results showed that the highest amount of EO was present in sample P4 (3.63%), followed by P3 (2.92%), P2 (2.69%), and P1 (2.31%). GC–MS analysis revealed cuminaldehyde (21.31–33.60%), γ‐terpinene (13.68–23.29%), p‐mentha‐1,4‐dien‐7‐al (14.44–20.84%), p‐mentha‐1,3‐dien‐7‐al (10.06–14.02%), β‐pinene (9.32–11.46%), and p‐cymene (3.16–7.89%) were the major constituents in all the populations. Generally, the results showed that the seeds harvested from areas with hotter and drier climates (P3 and P4) had higher EO yields and cuminaldehyde concentrations but had moderate amounts of γ‐terpinene, β‐pinene, and p‐cymene. In addition, the hypnotic (100 and 200 mg/kg) and antinociceptive (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) effects of cumin EO were proven in animal models.

Trend Analysis of Unintentional Fall Mortality and Years of Life Lost in the Fars Province of Iran, 2004-2019

Background: Unintentional falls are one of the main causes of death and a significant burden on victims, families, and communities. This study aimed to determine the trend analysis of mortality rate and years of life lost (YLL) due to unintentional falls in Fars Province, Iran. Methods: All deaths due to unintentional fall in Fars Province, central Iran from the electronic population-based death registration system (EDRS) were obtained. Crude and age-standardized mortality rate, YLL and YLL rate data were calculated and to examine the trend, joinpoint regression was used. Results: During the 16-year study period (2004-2019), 1816 deaths due to falls occurred in Fars Province. Crude mortality rate had stable trend in men and increasing trend in women. The total years of life lost due to falls, were 25,437 in men and 5,720 in women. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, the 16-year trend of YLL rate due to premature mortality was decreasing in males. The annual percent change (APC) was -2.8% (95% CI -4.5 to -1.0, P=0.005). However, there were stable trends for females, APC was 3.5% (95% CI -1.8 to 9.1, P=0.181). Conclusion: Due to the increase in mortality caused by falls in women and stable trend in men, there is an urgent need to plan and implement preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of injuries caused by falls. Home and behavioral modifications such as increasing home lighting, providing handrails on stairs and bathrooms, and educating the people may play an important role in reducing fall deaths.

Relationship Between Body Image, Marital Offense-Specific Forgiveness, and Marital Happiness in Urban and Rural Married Women Aged 20 - 35

Background: Identifying the main factors that affect body image (BI) is of utmost importance within the realm of marital relationships. In light of this, the present study investigated the relationship between BI, marital offense-specific forgiveness (MOF), and marital happiness (MH) among married women aged 20 - 35, living in urban and rural areas in the city of Jahrom, Fars Province, Iran. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 608 married women aged 20 - 35, residing in urban and rural areas and referring to the comprehensive community health centers in the city of Jahrom, Fars province, Iran, selected by stratified-cluster sampling. For this purpose, the statistical population was divided into two groups, viz., the urban and rural women, and sampling was done in keeping with their population. The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), the Marital Happiness Scale (MHS), and the Marital Offense-Specific Forgiveness Scale (MOFS) were further applied to collect the data, which were then analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software package. Results: Comparing the MHS mean scores showed a statistically significant difference between urban and rural women (P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in the BI mean scores of the study groups, particularly in the appearance evaluation (AE) subscale (P &lt; 0.001). The regression analysis results also demonstrated that MH could affect BI (P &lt; 0.001) Conclusions: The study results revealed that MH and MOF could lead to a positive BI in married women.

Seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis among pregnant women in Jahrom city in Fars province, southern Iran

BackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health issue in endemic countries with poor sanitation facilities. In this study, the seroprevalence rate and associated risk factors of VL were investigated during September 2020 to February 2021 in pregnant women referred to Ostad Mottahari and Peymanieh hospitals in Jahrom county, Fars province, southern Iran. Material and methodsA total of 220 serum samples of pregnant women were assessed for the presence of Anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies by direct agglutination antigen (DAT). The associated risk factors were obtained using questionnaires. ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of VL in pregnant women was 12.72% (28/220). Considering the antibody titer, titer 1:1600 was detected in 23 samples, titer 1:3200 in 4 samples, and titer 1:6400 in one sample. All 5 women with titer >3200 had mild fever. As such, there was a statistically significant difference regarding the age (≥39 years old with p-value: 0.01). ConclusionsWe recommend an appropriate health education program for pregnant women and serological screening of VL before pregnancy in endemic cities. Moreover, we believed a need for more epidemiological studies for better understand the status of VL in pregnant women.

The Trend of Years of Life Lost due to Gastrointestinal Cancers in Fars (Iran) 2004-2019.

Gastrointestinal cancers can cause major health problems globally since their burden is increasing in many countries. We aimed to investigate the trend of years of life lost due to gastrointestinal cancers in Fars Province, southern Iran during the 2004-2019. In this cross-sectional survey study, we obtained the information regarding all deaths due to gastrointestinal cancers in Fars Province from the electronic population-based death registration system (EDRS). Years of Life Lost (YLL) was calculated using the YLL template of 2015 by the WHO. To examine the trend for different years, join point regression based on the log-linear model was used. Joinpoint regression analysis describes changing trends over successive periods of time and the increasing or decreasing rate within each period. During the years of 2004-2019, 9742 deaths due to gastrointestinal cancers occurred in Fars Province. 6013 (61.72%) cases were male and 3729 (38.28%) cases were female (Male / Female Sex Ratio: 1.61). Overall, 4152 cases (42.63%) were due to gastric cancer and 2112 cases (21.68%) were due to liver cancer. Total years of life lost due to premature death from gastrointestinal cancers during the 16-year study period was 73565 yr (2.33 per 1000 persons) in men, 52766 yr (1.71 per 1000 persons) in women, and 126331 yr (2.02 per 1000 persons) in both sexes. Among all cancers, the highest mortality rates in both sexes belong to gastric cancer. This study showed the trend of YLL rate of malignant neoplasms of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts, esophagus, oral cavity, and colon cancer were increasing in both sexes, however, the trend of YLL rate for malignant neoplasms of the small intestine was decreasing in both sexes. Variation of GI cancers patterns and trends around the Fars Province indicated that a more comprehensive control plan is needed to control these variations.

Investigating the Rate of Contamination of Milk and Traditional Dairy Products with Brucella Bacteria by PCR Method, Mamasani District, Fars Province, South of Iran

Investigating the Rate of Contamination of Milk and Traditional Dairy Products with Brucella Bacteria by PCR Method, Mamasani District, Fars Province, South of Iran

Study of waterpipe smoking topography in Fars province of Iran

Despite a sharp increase in the use of the waterpipe (WP) has been noted recently in Iran, no information is available for the smoking behavior and topography parameters. The present study is intended to obtain the inhalation and smoking topography parameters for the Iranian WP smokers. The smoking data collected from 122 smoking sessions, including 192 WP smokers in the Iranian Fars province have been used to perform smoking topography assessments. The influence of demographic and smoking parameters on puffing data is obtained. Results have indicated that gender and tobacco type strongly affect puff volume and duration. Women smokers inhale smaller volume of smoke than men and puff duration is significantly increased for regular smokers than occasional smokers. However, the results of the present study have not revealed a major effect of age, residence and setting on the puffing behavior.

Genetic Variation and Population Structure of Wild Sheep in Bamou National Park in Fars Province Using Microsatellite Markers

Genetic Variation and Population Structure of Wild Sheep in Bamou National Park in Fars Province Using Microsatellite Markers

Geographical and Molecular Analysis of Haplotype Variations in Leishmania major Among Infected Iranian Phlebotomus papatasi.

Leishmania major is main causative agent and Phlebotomus papatasi is only proven vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran. Human leishmaniasis is mostly susceptible to climatic conditions and molecular variations of Leishmania parasites within sandflies. L. major was analyzed based on geographical, environmental, climatic changes and haplotype variations within P. papatasi. Molecular tools and different geographical aspects were employed using Arc-GIS software for mapping the geographic distribution of samples and other statistics tests. Fragments of ITS-rDNA, k-DNA, and microsatellite genes of Leishmania were used for PCR, RFLP, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Totally 81 out of 1083 female P. papatasi were detected with Leishmania parasites: 70 and five were L. major and L. turanica, respectively. Golestan and Fars provinces had the highest (13.64%) and lowest (4.55%) infection rates, respectively. The infection rate among female P. papatasi collected from gerbil burrows was significantly higher (15.15%) than animal shelters, yards, and inside houses (4.48%) (P < 0.0%). Microsatellite was more sensitive (22.72%) than k-DNA (18.8%) and ITS-rDNA (7.48%). More molecular variations of L. major were found in Isfahan province. Arc-GIS software and other statistics tests were employed to find Leishmania positive and haplotype variations among sand flies. Geographical situations, altitude, climate, precipitation, humidity, temperature, urbanization, migrations, regional divergences, deforestation, global warming, genome instability, ecology, and biology of the sand flies intrinsically, and the reservoir hosts and neighboring infected locations could be reasons for increasing or decreasing the rate ofLeishmaniainfection and haplotype variations.

Predictors of hospital nursing staff’s adherence to safe injection guidelines: application of the protection motivation theory in Fars province, Iran

BackgroundNeedle stick injuries (NSI) can lead to dangerous infectious diseases for health care workers. This study aimed to determine the predictors of observance of safe injection guidelines in hospital nursing staff, based on protection motivation theory.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on the nursing staff of five randomly selected teaching and general hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars province, Iran, in 2021. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire which was developed based on protection motivation theory. Data were processed and analyzed using SPSS 22 and Amos 24 at a significance level of < 0.05. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Multiple linear regression, and Structural Equation Modeling were used.ResultsThe mean age of the participants (No = 280) was 32.5 ± 8.09 years. Most of the participants [80%] had encountered NSI, patients’ blood, or body fluids at least once. Protection motivation was the only predictor of protective behaviors (β = 0.573), while perceived efficacy (β = 0.142) and perceived rewards (β = -0.229) were the strongest predictors of motivation. The structural equation modeling analysis showed that standardized total effects of protection motivation, perceived response costs, rewards, and efficacy on the protective behaviors were 0.573, -0.159, -.104, and 0.81, respectively. While standardized total effects of perceived rewards, efficacy, and response cost on protection motivation were -0.229, 0.142, and -0.033, respectively. The model fit indices indicated the acceptable final model fit.ConclusionThe results suggest that perceived efficacy, perceived effectiveness, and perceived rewards were the most important predictors of adherence to Safe Injection Guidelines in nursing staff.

Proximal sensing approach for characterization of calcareous soils using multiblock data analysis

Application of visible-near infrared (VNIR) or mid-infrared (MIR) proximal sensing for prediction of soil attributes has proven successful in many cases and is currently extensively used. However, in some cases, predictions fail, especially for properties that do not have a strong spectral signature. Multiblock data analysis techniques are an extension of partial least squares regression (PLSR) that allows the incorporation of data obtained from different instruments into a single model. The techniques have not been used in soil characterization particularly in chemical and elemental soil analysis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the use of two multiblock algorithms, sequential orthogonalized partial least squares (SO-PLS) and response-oriented sequential alternation (ROSA), to improve the prediction of several soil attributes from VNIR and MIR spectra and their 2nd order derivatives in calcareous soils from Iran. A total of 130 soil samples were taken from 0 to 30 cm depth in Kamfiroz (Mulla Sadra Dam Watershed), Fars Province, Iran. The analyzed soil properties included soil organic matter (SOM), electrical conductivity (EC), carbonate calcium equivalent (CCE), clay and sand contents, and plant-available (DTPA-extractable) micronutrients such as manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). Multiblock models (SO-PLS and ROSA) were compared with single-block PLSR models obtained from VNIR, MIR and their 2nd order derivatives. The results indicated that SO-PLS improved the prediction performance for all studied properties compared to single-block PLSR models from VNIR, MIR or their 2nd order derivatives, and multiblock ROSA. The highest improvement was achieved for properties where single-block models were less accurate. However, the ROSA models were less accurate than single-block models. The best SO-PLS models were obtained for CCE (R2 = 0.96, RPIQ = 5.95, and NRMSE = 7.24%), followed by SOM (R2 = 0.91, RPIQ = 3.38, and NRMSE = 11.45%), log Fe (R2 = 0.89, RPIQ = 3.16, and NRMSE = 9.98%), Cu (R2 = 0.87, RPIQ = 3.21, and NRMSE = 15.51%), clay content (R2 = 0.85, RPIQ = 3.57, and NRMSE = 10.14%), Ni (R2 = 0.76, RPIQ = 2.60, and NRMSE = 28.25%), EC (R2 = 0.74, RPIQ = 1.63, and NRMSE = 20.94%), sand (R2 = 0.68, RPIQ = 1.82, and NRMSE = 27.58%), and Zn (R2 = 0.63, RPIQ = 1.65, and NRMSE = 18.14%). However, Mn was poorly predicted by all evaluated methods. The results confirmed the potential of the SO-PLS model to improve the prediction of soil properties using a combination of spectral information obtained with different instruments.

Identifying the Components of Job Leaving Intention Among Faculty Members of Azad Universities in Fars Province

Objective: In the contemporary era, having a capable workforce is considered a competitive advantage for universities, and the job turnover intention among faculty members is one of the fundamental challenges for universities. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the job leaving intention among faculty members of Azad Universities in Fars Province. Methodology: This research was an exploratory sequential mixed-methods study of the instrument development type. In the qualitative section, using purposive sampling and the theoretical saturation technique, 16 experts were selected for the study on job turnover intention among faculty members of Azad Universities in Fars Province. Initially, the main influencing indicators were extracted from the theoretical foundations and validated by experts using the fuzzy Delphi methodology. Since consensus among experts is the decision criterion in the Delphi method, the questionnaire was distributed and collected over three stages to achieve overall expert consensus on the classification. Then, using the matrix questionnaire and interpretive structural modeling technique distributed among specialists, the leveling of these factors was carried out. Findings: According to the obtained results, it is shown that ten factors pertain to the first level: a sense of injustice, personality traits, lack of adaptability, neglect, environmental factors, individual factors, job involvement, lack of social belonging, presence of conflict, and value differences. Additionally, two factors belong to the second level: organizational factors and human factors. The only factor related to the third level is the lack of employee work independence. The factor of non-implementation of a coordinated and fair system remains in the model and pertains to the fourth level of the model. Conclusion: It is recommended that attention to key dimensions such as organizational empathy, participative management, understanding employees in the workplace, attention to their individual issues and problems, addressing their demands, understanding discriminations, striving to reduce them, and focusing on positive psychology can contribute to organizational growth and excellence. This can lead to reducing or eliminating the adverse effects of job turnover intention, such as increasing intra-organizational conflicts, tensions, lack of organizational participation, secrecy, job abandonment, and damage to organizational performance.

Presentation of a Causal Model of Relationships Between Metacognitive Beliefs, Need for Cognition, and Metacognitive Awareness: The Mediating Role of Goal Orientation and Self-Efficacy

Objective: Metacognitive beliefs have significant impacts on individual performance, and enhancing and altering these beliefs lead to meaningful changes in metacognitive awareness. The present study aims to present a causal model of the relationships between metacognitive beliefs, the need for cognition, and metacognitive awareness: exploring the mediating role of goal orientation and self-efficacy in the context of students taking a general English course at Payame Noor University, Fars Province, during the first semester of 2021. Methods and Materials: This is an applied study using a descriptive correlational research design through path analysis. The statistical population includes all undergraduate students at Payame Noor University, Fars Province, who enrolled in a general English course in the first semester of 2021, totaling approximately 3,422 students. A sample of 480 students was selected using stratified random sampling based on Morgan’s table. Data collection tools included the Bufora et al. (1998) goal orientation questionnaire, Wells’ (1997) metacognitive beliefs questionnaire, Sherer and Maddux’s (1997) self-efficacy scale, and the Cacioppo (1996) need for cognition questionnaire. Findings: The current study indicates that the indices of the conceptual model’s fit are in an acceptable condition. The four factors of metacognitive beliefs, need for cognition, goal orientation, and self-efficacy have a significant effect on students’ metacognitive awareness. Among the internal variables, self-efficacy had the most substantial effect (0.19), and metacognitive beliefs had the least (0.164). Conclusion: Overall, considering the goodness-of-fit indices and the overall examination of the model within the study group, the model exhibited appropriate fit and can be utilized in decision-making and policy-setting.

Effect of Educational Intervention by Application of PRECEDE-PROCEED Model on Lifestyle Change in Hypertensive Patients.

Background: One of the most important causes of cardiovascular disease is hypertension. Lifestyle modification has been emphasized in preventing and controlling blood pressure. This research aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention by application of PRECEDE-PROCEED model on lifestyle change in hypertensive patients in the villages of Fasa City, Fars Province, Iran. Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental study that was conducted on 300 hypertensive patients in 2020-2021. Data gathering tools were a demographic information questionnaire, a questionnaire based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, and a lifestyle questionnaire (LSQ). The educational intervention consisted of ten sessions lasting 45 or 50 min. Before and 6 months after the educational intervention, the two groups each completed a questionnaire. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels, as well as physical exercise and health variables, nutrition and weight control, mental health, and spiritual health were measured before and 6 months after the educational intervention. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups before in cues of PRECEDE-PROCEED model; however, the experimental group had a significant increase in cues of PRECEDE-PROCEED model 6 months after the intervention. The results showed that the experimental group had a significant increase 6 months after the intervention in terms of physical exercise and health variables, nutrition and weight control, mental health, and spiritual health. The mean blood pressure (both diastolic and systolic) in the experimental group was significantly reduced after the intervention. Conclusions: The study's results showed the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model on lifestyle change in hypertensive patients. It also highlights the need to pay further attention to the education aimed at controlling hypertension through a healthy lifestyle and correct behavioral habits.

Determination of sustainable rural tourism development strategies based on the SWOT-QSPM matrix: a case study in Dashtak village in Iran, Fars province

Determination of sustainable rural tourism development strategies based on the SWOT-QSPM matrix: a case study in Dashtak village in Iran, Fars province

Effectiveness of a Communication Skills Training Protocol on Improving Marital Burnout

Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate marital burnout and to determine the effectiveness of a communication skills training protocol. Methods: The experimental method employed was a single-subject design with multiple baselines, involving couples seeking counseling at the Raz City Clinic in Shiraz and the Clinic of the General Directorate of Exceptional Education in Fars Province, during the autumn of 2021. Among these couples, three pairs exhibiting the highest levels of marital burnout were selected using a purposive sampling method. The therapeutic program of the communication skills training protocol was conducted by the researcher over 10 sessions, followed by a follow-up in two stages, one month apart. The participants responded to the Marital Burnout Scale at the baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up stages. Data were analyzed using visual analysis methods, the recovery percentage formula, and the reliable change index. Findings: Findings indicated that the communication skills training protocol enhanced marital quality and reduced marital burnout, with these effects being maintained during the follow-up phase. Conclusion: The treatment protocol proved to be effective, and couple therapists can utilize these communication skills in their work with couples to reduce marital burnout and enhance marital quality, particularly during the early years of marriage, where it can have a significant impact.

Latent toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus infections and risk of motorcycle accidents: A case-control study in a county with a high rate of motorcycle injuries in Iran.

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are among the most important issues worldwide. Several studies reported that infection with the neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) increased the risk of car accidents. In this study, our objective was to investigate the possible associations among latent T. gondii, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections with the risk of motorcycle accidents in Jahrom (Fars Province), which is a county with a high rate of motorcycle accidents in Iran. In the setting of a case-control study; 176 motorcyclist men, including 88 survivors of motorcycle accidents and 88 motorcyclist without accidents, were considered as case and control groups, respectively. Rates of latent infections with T. gondii, CMV, and HSV were assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eleven of 88 (12.5%) in the case group and 22 of 88 (25.0%) in controls were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, this difference was statistically significant (OR = 0.42; CI: 0.19-0.95, p = 0.03). The general seroprevalence of CMV (94.3% in the case group vs. 87.5% in the control group, OR = 2.37; CI: 0.78-7.13, p = 0.12) and HSV (63.6% in the case group vs. 62.5% in the control group, OR = 1.05; CI: 0.57-1.94, p = 0.87) were not significantly different between the case and control groups. Although latent toxoplasmosis has been associated with traffic accidents in recent reports, we found a negative association between latent toxoplasmosis and motorcycle accidents among survivors of these accidents. As such, latent CMV and HSV infections did not differ significantly between the cases compared to the control groups.