Northeast Of Iran Research Articles

Enhancing wind erosion risk assessment through remote sensing techniques.

Preventing wind erosion and dust storms has always been a major concern in arid and semi-arid areas because of their negative effects on the environment. This study aims to utilize remote sensing and machine learning techniques to model, monitor, and predict the risk of wind erosion in Northeast Iran. Through an examination of relevant studies, a comprehensive review was conducted, leading to the identification of eight remote sensing indicators that exhibited the highest correlation with field data. These indicators were subsequently employed to model the risk of wind erosion in the study area. Various methods including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Generalized Linear Models (GLM) were employed to carry out the modeling process. The final method utilized a weighted average of the model, and the SDM statistical package was used to combine different approaches to decrease uncertainty when modeling and monitoring wind erosion in the area. The modeling results indicated that in 2008, the RF model performed the best (AUC = 0.92, TSS = 0.82, and Kappa = 0.96), while in 2023, the GBM model showed superior performance (AUC = 0.95, TSS = 0.79, and Kappa = 0.95). Therefore, the utilization of an ensemble model emerged as an effective approach to reduce uncertainty during the modeling process. By employing the ensemble model, the outcomes obtained accurately depicted an elevated intensity of wind erosion in the northeastern regions of the study area by 2023. Furthermore, considering the climatic scenarios and projected land use changes, it is anticipated that wind erosion intensity will experience a 23% increase in the central and southern parts of the study area by 2038. By taking into account the reliable results of the ensemble model, which offers reduced uncertainty, it becomes feasible to implement effective planning, optimal management, and appropriate measures to mitigate the progression of wind erosion.

Epidemiological analysis of pediculosis and the distribution of kdr mutation frequency in head lice populations in Torbat Heydarieh city of Khorasan Razavi Province, Northeastern Iran

Head lice infestations are the most prominent ectoparasitic infection in the world, including Iran, particularly among school children. Recently, numerous cases of infestation have been reported in various provinces of the country. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of head louse infestations and analyze kdr gene sequences in terms of resistance mutations in the Torbat-e Heydarieh, Mahvelat, and Zaveh cities of Khorasan Razavi Province, Northeast Iran. The data related to the epidemiological and demographic history of head lice populations were extracted from their medical records and analyzed in Excel software. After extracting the genomic DNA, the kdr fragment was amplified using specific primers. The sequences were also analyzed using bioinformatics software. The prevalence of head louse infestations was 1.59% and 1.7% during 2016 and 2017, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the frequency distribution of two kdr haplotypes, I and V, in the study areas. The increase in head louse infestations in recent years and the simultaneous presence of kdr mutations indicate the need for new treatments and monitoring/controlling resistance to head louse insecticides.

Determination of the nutritional potential and valorization of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) wastes as an antioxidant agent in ruminant feeding: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a plant known for its diverse medicinal and nutritional properties, which has adapted well to arid and semi-arid regions of the world, particularly in the Middle East. Research on saffron wastes (SW) as a dietary additive for small ruminants is limited. Therefore, two primary experiments were designed to evaluate the nutritional potential of SW. In the first trial, the nutritional value of SW collected from various regions in northeast Iran was assessed through proximate analysis and in vitro procedures. In the second trial, the effects of incorporating SW (a 1: 1 mixture from all regions, w: w) at two levels (30 and 60g/day) into the diets of Afshari male lambs were investigated in comparison to a control diet. Except for dry matter and ether extract contents, other chemical and mineral compounds varied among the SW collected from different regions. The samples displayed diversity in potential gas production and estimated dry matter intake (DMI). In the in vivo experiment, DMI, nutrient digestibility, and most blood metabolites were not significantly affected by the addition of SW; however, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and cholesterol levels were respectively decreased, increased, and decreased in lambs fed 60g SW/day compared to the control group. Overall, SW collected from various regions demonstrated different nutritional values. Although the dietary inclusion of SW at the level of 60g/day did not adversely effect on DMI, nutrient digestibility, or certain blood metabolites, it is suggested for its potential improvement in lambs' health indicators. Long-term studies are recommended for future SW evaluation in vivo.

Iranian single-child couples’ perceptions and experiences regarding childbearing incentives

BackgroundThe single-child issue is a significant contributor to population decline, which adversely affects both parents and children. Despite government-approved incentives, the single-child problem remains a major population challenge. This study was conducted to explore the perceptions and experiences of single-child couples regarding childbearing incentives.MethodsThis qualitative study used conventional content analysis and was performed on 21 single-child couples in Mashhad, North East Iran, selected through purposive sampling from urban health centers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews until saturation was reached. The data were analyzed using the Elo and Kyngas (J Adv Nurs 62(1):107-15, 2008. 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x) method with MaxQDA10 software.ResultsTwo generic categories emerged from the data analysis including (1) “Advertising and providing information as an influencing factor to encourage childbearing”, which included two subcategories of “Attention to the key lever of advertising” and “Necessity of adopting advertising policies and creating a culture of respecting maternal role”, and (2) “Focusing on effective incentive policies”, which consisted of three subcategories of “Adopting incentive policies to reduce people’s financial problems”, “Avoiding punitive policies” and “Need to adopt incentive policies for working women and elites”.ConclusionsIncentive policies should focus on the culture building of the general public, implementing effective incentive policies, and addressing economic challenges, particularly for specific groups such as working women and higher education students. In addition, a public mobilization effort is needed to effectively implement population laws.

Anthropometric indices growth references (length, Weight and Head Circumferences) of children aged 0–24 months in North-East of Iran by GAMLSS

BackgroundGrowth references play a crucial role in the screening, evaluation, and surveillance of children, aiding in the early identification of the requirement for diverse growth-promoting interventions. Variations in human growth across distinct ethnic cohorts arise from genetic disparities, lifestyle variances, nutritional diversity, and diverse social and environmental contexts. Consequently, the selection of growth references markedly influences the prevalence of developmental disorders and nutritional imbalances in children. The study aims to assess the growth percentile of children in the north-east of Iran and establish population-specific reference charts for length, weight, and head circumference spanning from birth to 24 months.MethodsThis cross-sectional population-based research conducted in the north-east of Iran, from 2016 to 2023. The Data extracted from the electronic health records of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All apparently healthy children aged from birth to 24 months who were measured at least once by health staff at the ages of birth,1,2,4,6,7,9,12,15,18,24 months were included. The target population of the study were 479,089 children (96.21%), encompassing 233,565 girls (48.75%) and 245,524 boys (51.25%). Gender-specific percentile curves for length, weight, and head circumference concerning age, as well as weight concerning length, were derived using the GAMLSS approach.ResultsFrom the anthropometric information of 479,089 children (245,524 boys and 233,565 girls), growth charts were constructed. In comparison to the standard WHO chart, Iranian neonates displayed lower weight across all percentiles during the first month after birth, exhibited decreased head circumference at the 3rd percentile, and boys showed reduced length across all percentiles. After this age, Iranian children demonstrated increased weight, length, and head circumference.ConclusionsThis research introduces the inaugural large-scale endeavor for indigenous reference charts. Through the noted distinctions from the international reference, the utilization of this novel resource offers the potential to enhance the surveillance of children’s growth within the area. Moreover, by accurately assessing growth anomalies such as underweight, stunting, and wasting, it expands the domain of impactful policies in this sphere. Simultaneously, it enables the exploration of the secular trend of children’s growth in the forthcoming years.

Nosocomial carbapenem-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, related factors and clinical outcomes in Northeast Iran

Background and objectivesNosocomial infections, including drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections, continue to impact the health of hospitalized patients. This study sought to determine the prevalence of these infections and assess the associated risk factors and clinical outcomes in Gorgan, Iran.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 143 infected patients with Acinetobacter baumannii in two educational hospitals in Gorgan city, Iran between 2016 and 2018. Patient information including age, gender, reason and duration of hospitalization, background of diseases, type of sample culture, symptoms, laboratory findings, prescribed antibiotics, and antibiogram were collected and analyzed. The Logistic regression and survival statistical methods were used by software of SPSS 26.ResultsA total of 37 patients (25.87%) died during hospitalization. The less than one year and 45–65 years age groups demonstrated more deaths (29.7%; p-value < 0.001). Being single (not being married) was found to be a risk factor in increasing the chance of death among patients (OR = 2.154, 95% CI: 1.02–4.53; p = 0.048). Hospitalization in intensive care units (ICUs) was a risk factor for the death of patients (OR = 4.655, 95% CI: 7.6–83.2). The resistance to carbapenems was reported to be an important risk factor for the death of patients.ConclusionsAcinetobacter baumannii infections, particularly those resistant to carbapenems, are a significant risk for patients in ICUs and can lead to higher mortality rates.

Serological and molecular survey of Toxoplasma Gondii in aborted livestock fetuses from Northeast Iran

BackgroundToxoplasmosis not only leads to abortion in humans but also in herbivores, which causes significant financial and quality-adjusted life-year losses. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in aborted fetuses via serological and molecular assays. Moreover, the genotypes of the obtained isolates were detected.MethodsSerological and molecular methods were used to study aborted fetuses from Bojnourd City, North Khorasan Province, Iran, which included 52 ovines and 16 bovines. Nested PCR of the B1 gene was used to detect parasite DNA in brain tissues. The PCR-RFLP method for the GRA6 gene was used to determine the genotype of T. gondii.ResultsOut of 68 aborted fetuses, 16.1% showed the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG. Among these, 11.7% were identified in bovine fetuses and 4.4% in ovine fetuses. Additionally, two (2.94%) samples of ovine tested positive for anti-T. gondii IgM. Our PCR analysis detected parasite DNA in two cases (2.94%) among 11 IgG-positive samples. All obtained isolates belong to type I of T. gondii.ConclusionInfection with Type I of T. gondii during the neonatal period may partly be responsible for abortion and economic losses in livestock farming in our studied region. To understand the molecular epidemiology and genotypes of T. gondii associated with abortion, further evaluation of aborted samples from different geographical locations is necessary.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics of wild red-fleshed apples (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana) in the North and Northeast of Iran

BackgroundRed-flesh apples (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana) have attracted attention from consumers and researchers due to their pleasant appearance and taste. These exotic apples are rich sources of nutrients and health-promoting polyphenols and phenolics. This study aimed to investigate morphological (40 quantitative and 13 qualitative traits) and biochemical (5 traits) characteristics of four socioeconomically important red-fleshed apple populations in North and Northeast region of Iran, which are understudied and under serious extinction risk.ResultsThe examined characters exhibited wide and statistically significant variations, especially in leaf color (68.86%) and the number of seeds per fruit (61.61%), and more dramatically in the total flavonoids (146.64%) and total phenolics contents (105.81%). There were also strong variations in fresh fruit weight and fruit length, diameter, and flesh thickness. Red, with 34 accessions, was the dominant ripe fruit skin color. All biochemical traits also showed high variations, particularly in total flavonoid content. Red-fleshed Gavramak and Kalateh Khij apples contained the highest biochemical and morphological values, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first five principal components together accounted for more than 60.83% variation of the total observed variations. Moreover, the cluster dendrogram analysis based on Ward’s method indicated three different clusters based on the characters measured, indicating high variation among the accessions.Conclusionred-flesh apples can be considered suitable sources of natural antioxidants with great potential as healthy foods and nutraceutical applications. Based on the commercial characters, Red-fleshed Gavramak and Kalateh Khij apples showed the highest fruit quality with proper size and thus can be suggested as superior for cultivation or use in breeding programs due to having higher quality fruits.

Impact of Fortified Yogurt on Micronutrient Deficits: A Survey on Food Security and Health in the Northeast of Iran

Background: Millions of people’s access to food is threatened by the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in food, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the socio-economic impact of fortified food products on improving the food security of consumers in these regions. Methods: This study examined the use of popular products, such as yogurt fortified with inactive baker’s yeast, from April 2023 to December 2023. A questionnaire was developed using a descriptive–inferential approach grounded in practical research. Results: The factors of expertise, level of education, and gender significantly influenced the enhancement of food security. Approximately 88% of the variations in food security enhancement factors were attributed to acceptance and consumption, food safety and health, and financial capability and pricing. Among these factors, the acceptance index made the greatest contribution to improving food security. Conclusions: Specialized communication and information operations are urgently needed in this area, considering the limited knowledge consumers have about the health effects of newly introduced fortified foods. Therefore, by addressing current shortcomings, this study can help planners, policymakers, and producers of fortified food items increase the demand for fortified goods and improve national food security.

First Survey of Epidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of Human Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Gonabad Residents, Northeast of Iran

First Survey of Epidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of Human Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Gonabad Residents, Northeast of Iran

Improvement of esophageal cancer survival in Northeast Iran: A two-decade journey in a high-risk, low- resource region.

Two decades ago, an international initiative (GEMINI) was launched in a high-risk, low-resource region in Northeast Iran, aiming to investigate incidence, etiology, early detection, and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). An earlier report from this area, highlighted poor ESCC survival rates, with a 5-year survival probability of 3.3% and the median survival time of 7 months. Our study assesses whether ESCC survival has improved since the implementation of the GEMINI initiative in this region. 490 adult patients with histologically-confirmed ESCC were recruited from the Atrak clinic, Golestan, Iran, between 2007 and 2018. At recruitment, information on demographics and various exposures were collected. Active (telephone surveys) and passive (linkage to Golestan population-based cancer and death registries) follow-up methods were used to determine patients' vital status though March 2019. Survival estimates were obtained by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Over the study period 340 deaths were recorded. Five-year ESCC survival probability was 23% (95% Confidence Interval: 19% to 28%), and the median survival time was 19 months. Five-year survival probability was higher among individuals who were younger (35% in <60-year-olds vs. 12% for >70-year-olds, p<0.001), educated (34% vs. 21% for no formal education, p = 0.027), never used opium (28% vs. 15%, p = 0.0016), and received cancer treatment (37% vs. 4%, p<0.001). In the adjusted models, a higher hazard of death was associated with older age [HR for each 10-year increase = 1.36 (95% CI = 1.22 to 1.51)], Turkman ethnicity [HR = 1.35 (95%CI: 1.07 to 1.70)], opium use [HR = 1.53 (95%CI: 1.20 to 1.94)],and receiving no cancer treatment [HR = 5.81 (95%CI: 3.97 to 8.52)]. Over the last two decades, ESCC survival in this population has significantly improved, highlighting the potential of enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring access to affordable medical care in resource-limited, high-risk regions. Older age at diagnosis, Turkman ethnicity, opium use, and untreated cases (indicative of advanced disease at diagnosis) were identified as the main ESCC prognostic factors in this population.

Clinical pathology and molecular examination of Babesia spp. infection in dogs; Mashhad, Northeast Iran

This study aimed to fill a crucial gap in our understanding of Babesia infection in dogs in Mashhad, northeast Iran. We not only investigated the prevalence of Babesia species among dogs but also undertook a comprehensive comparison of clinical, hematological, and clinicopathological findings between infected and non-infected cases, a unique aspect of our research. Materials and methodsOur research was conducted with meticulous attention to detail. We randomly collected blood specimens from a diverse population of 150 dogs, including owned pets (n = 47), stray dogs (n = 66), and shelter dogs (n = 37), to ensure the reliability and representativeness of our findings. We then used microscopy and PCR to investigate Babesia spp. infection and analyzed various biochemical and hematological variables. ResultsThe overall prevalence of babesiosis was 15.3 % (23/150) by PCR and 2 % (3/150) by microscopy. Upon microscopic examination, two cases of large Babesia and one case of small-sized Babesia were identified. The sequencing results confirmed that the two dogs testing positive for large-sized Babesia species in this study were both infected with B. vogeli, exhibiting 100 % sequence identity.There was no association between infection and gender, while housing status (k = 37.294, p = 0.000) and age (k = 6.897, p = 0.021) significantly related to infection rate. Among laboratory variables, infection with Babesia spp. showed a remarkable association with Hct (k = 4.749, p = 0.025) and RBC count (k = 14.669, p = 0.000), which were significantly lower in infected dogs compared to non-infected dogs (p < 0.05). Aside from severe non-regenerative anemia observed in all three clinically infected cases, the most clinicopathological changes were observed in one B. vogeli-infected dog, including pancytopenia, azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, hypocholesterolemia, hyponatremia. ConclusionThis study reveals a higher-than-expected prevalence of canine babesiosis in Northeastern Iran, necessitating further investigation of tick vectors and Babesia spp. distribution. Notably, many infected dogs were asymptomatic, raising concerns about silent spread via carriers. Moreover, the high prevalence of infection in shelters highlights the need for more effective control strategies in these centers.

Visual and Demographic Risk Factors for Falls and the Impact of Cataract Surgery in Elderly Patients.

To evaluate the effect of cataract surgery and visual impairment and the associated risk factors on the frequency of falls among older adults in northeast Iran. This cross-sectional study, conducted between 2019 and 2020, analyzed the potential risk factors of falling in older adults over 50 years of age. To this end, 380 patients were randomly selected by convenience sampling and classified into two groups: those who had undergone cataract surgery in the last 12 months (surgery group) and those who had not (cataract group). The data were collected from the medical records and face-to-face interviews, and logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors for falling. The frequency of falls in the cataract and surgery groups was 18.9% and 11.6%, respectively. The mean decimal visual acuity of the dominant eye was significantly lower in the cataract group than in the surgery group (P 0.001). There were no significant differences in the mean number of medications used, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living score, and 10-Meter Walk Test speed between the two groups. According to the results of backward logistic regression, taking more than four medications per day and slow gait speed were the most important factors influencing the frequency of falls in older adults. Logistic regression analysis indicated that undergoing cataract surgery is not a significant protective factor against falls. However, older adults in the surgery group experienced fewer falls than in the other group. Besides, the results suggest that taking more than four medications daily and having a slow gait speed are significant fall risk factors.

Cytotoxic Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Artemisia biennis Essential Oils at Different Growth Stages

Background: The Artemisia genus is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly in Iranian traditional medicine. Artemisia biennis, a species within this genus, is widely distributed across Iranian rangelands. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity and chemical composition of essential oils (EO) isolated from the aerial parts of A. biennis in Iran at different growth stages. Methods: The aerial parts of A. biennis from northeast Iran were collected during June (early vegetative stage), July (pre-flowering stage), August (full-flowering stage), and October (late vegetative stage). The essential oils (EOs) of the A. biennis species were extracted by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The cytotoxic activity of the EOs against normal fibroblasts, MCF-7, and HT-29 cell lines was evaluated using the MTT assay. Results: Data from GC/MS analysis revealed that (Z)-nerolidol (22.62 - 54.4%), (E)-β-farnesene (6.89-16.38%), and (Z)-tonghaosu (12.33 - 18.61%) were the most abundant chemical constituents. The essential oil (EO) of A. biennis was characterized by a high content of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, with (Z)-nerolidol being the main constituent identified. Based on the MTT assay, the EO of the plant species collected in June exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (IC50 = 2.84 ± 0.15 µg/mL) and HT-29 cell lines (IC50 = 2.41 ± 0.2 µg/mL). Conclusions: The growth stage of A. biennis affects EO yields, the composition of extracted secondary metabolites, and cytotoxic activity. A. biennis EOs can be considered potential sources of cytotoxic phytochemicals.

Epidemiological Aspects and Pattern of Intoxication among Elderly in Khorasan-Razavi; Northeast of Iran.

This study aimed to assess the risk factors and clinical-epidemiological patterns of acute poisoning among elderly individuals to guide prevention strategies. The epidemiological, clinical data, manner and cause of poisoning, and outcome of the registered elder cases (≥ 60 years old) in the clinical toxicology department of Imam Reza Hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Silences (CTD-IRH-MUMS) were investigated for nine months. The sex and age distribution of the patients were compared with the general population of Khorasan-Razavi using direct standardization. Among the 3064 cases registered at the hospital, 124 elderly patients were included in the study. The majority (71.8%) were male, with a mean age of 69.47. Male gender was found to be a significant risk factor for poisoning among elderly individuals compared to the general population (OR = 2.62) (1.55-4.42) (p-value < 0.001), however, it was not significant for age. Substance dependency, particularly on opiates, was common among the patients (56.5%), with a higher prevalence in males. Substance overdose (35.4%) and suicide (23.3%) were the most common methods of poisoning, with varying frequencies between genders (p-value = 0.002). Male gender was identified as a risk factor for opiate intoxication (OR = 4.68, CI = 1.70-11.83, p-value < 0.05) but not for suicide attempts. The average hospital stay duration was similar between male and female patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.53 ± 4.02 days (median = 3.0, range = 0.5-26 days) and was similar in both sexes. In conclusion,male gender and opiate dependency were highlighted as key factors in the poisoning of elderly individuals. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing these factors in preventive measures.

Genetic Characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus from Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples in Human Isolates Based on the High-Resolution Melting Point Analysis in Sabzevar, Northeast Iran.

There are ten genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus with different intermediate and final hosts affecting the parasite's life cycle and its transmission to humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the genotype of isolated hydatid cysts using the simple and fast high-resolution melting point analysis (HRM) method. The paraffin tissue samples of patients who underwent surgery were obtained from the pathology sample bank of Vasei and Emdad Hospitals in Sabzevar, Iran during 2010-2020. The DNA content of the samples was extracted after collecting and determining the characteristics using the DNA extraction kit. PCR was performed on the samples and the presence of the hydatid cyst genome was confirmed using the special Master Kit. Mix PCR of Solis Biodyne Company and Real-Time device (Bio-Rad) were used, and the genetic identity of hydatid cysts were determined. Out of 33 paraffin samples, 21 samples contained hydatid cyst DNA, two of which were from the brain and 19 from the liver tissues; 12 samples did not contain hydatid cyst DNAs. All liver samples were from sheep species (G1), and the brain samples were from buffalo species (G3). Therefore, 9.53% of the Echinococcus species collected were buffalo (G3), and 90.47% were sheep (G1) strain. Based on previous patterns, HRM methods can be used for easy and quick identification of Echinococcus strains. The G1 strain was the dominant strain causing hydatid cyst in different human organs, including the liver and brain.

Correction to: Mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change on river water quality through adaptation strategies: A Case Study of the Ardak Catchment, Northeast Iran

Correction to: Mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change on river water quality through adaptation strategies: A Case Study of the Ardak Catchment, Northeast Iran

Pregnancy outcomes in women with Celiac disease in Northeast Iran: a regional retrospective cohort study

PurposeTo investigate the odds and associations of pregnancy outcomes with exposure to biopsy-confirmed celiac disease (CD) in Northeast Iran.MethodsIn this regional retrospective cohort study, pregnancy records of all women with celiac disease who visited Celiac Disease Clinic of Imam-Reza Hospital from 2017 to 2023 (exposed group) and a sample of women without CD (unexposed group) were extracted using the Electronic Health Record of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences called “Sina”. The unexposed group was randomly selected of the database and matched to exposed group on age, location of residence, socioeconomic factors. Our exclusion criteria included age ≥ 45, presence of concomitant disorders, history of non-obstetric uterine surgery, induction of pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology, and any concurrently ongoing pregnancy at the time of study. Pregnancy outcomes evaluated in this study included normal delivery, miscarriage, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression adjusted for confounders.ResultsNinety pregnancy records of women with CD and 270 pregnancies of women without CD were included in this study. Low neonatal birthweight (i.e. under 2500 g) had no significant association with CD (aOR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.92–1.06), as well as postpartum hemorrhage (aOR = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.91–1.38), fetal anomaly (aOR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.69–1.15), miscarriage (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.91–1.10), ectopic pregnancy (aOR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.73–1.20), preterm labor (aOR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.92–1.10), gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR = 1.07, 95%CI = 0.98–1.16), gestational hypertension (aOR = 0.99, 95%CI = 0.89–1.11), and gestation hypothyroidism (aOR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.82–1.11). However, we found significantly lower odds of preeclampsia in pregnancies affected by CD (aOR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.69–0.99).ConclusionCeliac disease was not associated with increased odds of low neonatal birthweight, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal anomaly, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension and gestational hypothyroidism. Preeclampsia had significantly lower odds in pregnancies affected with CD.

Epidemiology of Candidemia in Mashhad, Northeast Iran: A Prospective Multicenter Study (2019-2021).

Candidemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in health care settings, and its epidemiology is changing. In the last two decades, the proportion of non-albicans Candida (NAC) yeasts in candidemia has increased. These yeasts more often display resistance to common antifungals. In many western countries, candidemia is mainly caused by susceptible C. albicans, while in resource-limited countries, including Iran, the candidemia species distribution is studied less often. Here, we investigated the species distribution, resistance levels, and characteristics of patients with candidemia in five hospitals in Mashhad (northeast Iran) for two years (2019-2021). Yeast isolates from blood were identified with MALDI-TOF MS and subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) using the broth microdilution method, while molecular genotyping was applied to Candida parapsilosis isolates. In total, 160 yeast isolates were recovered from 160 patients, of which the majority were adults (60%). Candidemia was almost equally detected in men (48%) and women (52%). Almost half of patients (n = 67, 49%) were from intensive care units (ICUs). C. parapsilosis (n = 58, 36%) was the most common causative agent, surpassing C. albicans (n = 52, 33%). The all-cause mortality rate was 53%, with C. albicans candidemia displaying the lowest mortality with 39%, in contrast to a mortality rate of 59% for NAC candidemia. With microbroth AFST, nearly all tested isolates were found to be susceptible, except for one C. albicans isolate that was resistant to anidulafungin. By applying short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping to C. parapsilosis, multiple clusters were found. To summarize, candidemia in Mashhad, Iran, from 2019 to 2021, is characterized by common yeast species, in particular C. parapsilosis, for which STR typing indicates potential nosocomial transmission. The overall mortality is high, while resistance rates were found to be low, suggesting that the high mortality is linked to limited diagnostic options and insufficient medical care, including the restricted use of echinocandins as the first treatment option.

Prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in North East of Iran: a population-based study

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common dietary disorder caused by fatty changes in the liver parenchyma and hepatocytes without alcohol consumption. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of NAFLD in the Mashhad Persian Cohort Study population.MethodThe present population-based cross-sectional study included all PERSIAN Organizational Cohort study in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (POCM), Mashhad, Iran by census sampling method. Eligible participants were divided into two groups due to their NAFLD condition (NAFLD positive or NAFLD negative). All enrolled participants were evaluated based on their clinical aspects, anthropometric measures, laboratory tests, and ultrasound features. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA –version 16). A P-value less than 0.05 was considered as the significance level.ResultsA total of 1198 individuals were included in the study, of which 638 (53.3%) were male and the rest were female. The mean age of the participants was 46.89 ± 8.98 years. A total of 246 patients (20.53%) were NAFLD positive, of which 122 (49.59%) were in grade 1, 112 (45.52%) were in grade 2, and 12 (4.87%) were in grade 3. The prevalence of fatty liver was significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). There were significant differences between NAFLD positive and NAFLD negative participants in terms of having a history of hypertension (P = 0.044), body mass index (P < 0.001), body fat percentage (P = 0.001), waist circumference (P < 0.001), liver craniocaudal length (P = 0.012), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P = 0.047), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.007), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P = 0.001). Further analysis revealed a strong significant association between BMI, previous history of hypertension, higher levels of serum ALT, and NAFLD (P < 0.05).ConclusionIt can be concluded that ultrasound findings accompanied by laboratory AST and ALT level enzymes could be a cost-benefit approach for NAFLD early diagnosis. The craniocaudal size of the liver could be a beneficent marker for estimating the severity of the disease; however, more studies are recommended to evaluate this variable for future practice against the issue.