Problems In Iran Research Articles

Most important bacterial and parasitic zoonotic diseases in Iran

The World Health Organization in 1959 described zoonoses are infections that can be transmitted naturally from vertebrate animals to human and inversely. Infectious diseases with determinate geographical dissemination caused by fungi, viruses, parasites and bacteria are classified as zoonotic diseases. The bacterial and parasite zoonotic disease's agents transmit between humans and animals through a number of factors including direct contact, food and water sources, and vector-borne. Prevalence of zoonotic diseases increases in a variety of geographical areas with along changes in humans’ demographic characteristics including international travel, susceptibility to infectious diseases, agricultural development and microbial attributes. These critical factors affect on the epidemiological aspect of infectious diseases directly and indirectly. Despite the use of various programs and adoption preventive measures, controlling of zoonotic diseases has still remained as the most important infectious agent in human's morbidity and mortality rates recorded around the worldwide. However, implemented control measures have shown effective results in decreased rates of many infections such as tuberculosis and brucellosis. Iran has shown a considerable geographical and socio-economic significance throughout a vast area. Because of a variety of climate and high rates transferring with poor public health countries, zoonotic diseases has been a serious public health problem in Iran. Hence, new measures need to tackle infectious agent's dissemination issues with research findings related to zoonotic diseases. This review article discusses the major bacterial and parasitic zoonotic diseases in Iran.

Deployment a hybrid renewable energy system for enhancing power generation and reducing water evaporation of a dam

In recent years, repetitive electricity outages, and water crisis have caused major problems in Iran. Moreover, air pollution is a serious problem that Iran is facing, especially in provinces such as Tehran, Khuzestan, Markazi, etc. In this study, a grid-connected Hybrid system consisting Hydropower turbine of Karun-3 dam in Khuzestan, and floating solar photovoice (FSPV) is proposed to cover 5% of the electrical demand of Khuzestan province during peak hours. This system can increase the stability of the system and prevent outages, reduce the water usage for energy production, reduce the evaporation, and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As was anticipated, the proposed system produced a huge amount of electrical energy during peak hours, and the excess energy was used to pump the water back to the dam reservoir. Utilizing this idea could prevent the use of valuable water for energy production. The economic analysis represents the cost of energy (COE), and net present cost (NPC) of 0.0596 $/kWh and 1.66 B$, respectively. The required FSPV covers 1.16 km2 of the reservoir, and reduced 1.97% of the evaporation, preventing emitting almost 5 million tons of GHG per year. According to the results, increasing the FSPV capacity reduced the COE and evaporation and increased the NPC. Therefore, utilizing a system containing FSPV and the total hydropower capacity of the country to cover 5% of the peak load of Iran resulted in a COE of 0.0218 $/kWh, NPC of 32 B$, and reduced the evaporation to 41.68%. Also, replacing old power plants using the proposed system needs an investment cost of 616 M$, which is much higher than fossil fuel plants. While, the annual costs of the hybrid system are 37% lower than fossil fuel plants, which makes the hybrid system economically justifiable, in 20 years.

Mortality Rates and Years of Life Lost Due to Cancer in Iran: Analysis of Data from the National Death Registration System, 2016

Background: Cancer incidence is a major public health concern and one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the death rate and years of life lost (YLL) due to cancer in Iran. Methods: In this study, death registration system (DRS) data in Iran was used. The Global Health Estimates (GHE-2016) cause categories and ICD-10 codes (C00-C97 and D00-D48) were assigned for deaths due to cancer. The crude, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) via world standard population was measured, and also YLL due to cancer were calculated using standard life expectancy. Results: The DRS recorded 53,492 deaths due to cancer (58.82% males and 41.18% females). The cancer mortality rate was 66.92 per 100,000 population (77.7 and 55.87 per 100,000 population in men and women, respectively) and ASMR was 96.4 per 100,000 population (115.7 and 77 per 100,000 population for males and females, respectively). The total YLL due to premature death was 736,564 in males, 580,254 in females, and 1,316,818 in both sexes. Death due to stomach cancer, tracheal, bronchus, and lung, leukemia, brain, and nervous system cancer, and breast cancer comprised the largest YLL category among different cancer sites. Conclusions: Accounting for more than 1,300,000 YLL attributed to cancer, it is a major public health problem in Iran. Therefore, promoting the prevention and control programs and policies are necessary to improve health indicators and since some cancers are preventable, the burden can be reduced by controlling tobacco use, dietary interventions, and promoting physical activity.

War, immigration and COVID-19: The experience of Afghan immigrants to Iran Amid the pandemic.

IntroductionAfghanistan's domestic upheaval following the Taliban's invasion leads to massive displacement of its population. The number of Afghan refugees in Iran has dramatically increased since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. Multiple pre-and post-migratory traumatic experiences affect immigrants' physical, psychological, social, and economic wellbeing. The coronavirus outbreak, considered a traumatic experience in human life in the 21st century, added to their problems in Iran and exposed them to new challenges. This qualitative study aimed to investigate their experiences early before, during, and after immigration and the pandemic's challenges to their lives in Iran.MethodsIn the present qualitative study, ten Afghan residents living in Iran who immigrated to Iran legally or illegally since the summer of 2021 and the last year after the second Taliban invasion were selected via purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview was applied to gather the data, and the data were analyzed through Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis method.ResultsTen male participants with a mean age of 26 y/o were interviewed. Their residence in Iran was between 20 days and 8 months. Four main themes were extracted. The first theme, the Tsunami of suffering, represents a disruption of the normal flow of life. Six subthemes, including loss, being near death, insecurity, sudden hopelessness, leaving the country involuntarily, and reluctance to explore underlying emotions, are included in this category. The second one, Lost in space, describes the participant's attempt to leave Afghanistan following the extensive losses and violent death threats. Their experiences are categorized into four subthemes: the miserable trip, encountering death, life-threatening experiences, and being physically and verbally abused. The third theme, with its five subthemes, try to demonstrate the participants' experiences after getting to their destination in Iran. The last one, Challenges of the COVID-19 explained the experience of Taliban return, war trauma, running away, and living as a refugee or immigrant coincided with the COVID pandemic.DiscussionOur interviewees explained multiple and successive traumatic experiences of war, migration, and the pandemic. The central clinical features of survivors are fears of losing control, being overwhelmed, and inability to cope. They felt abandoned because not only lost their family support in their homeland but could not also receive support in Iran due to the pandemic-related social distancing and isolation. They were dissociated and emotionally numb when describing their experience, which is a hallmark of experiencing severe, unprocessed traumas.ConclusionGaining a better understanding of Afghan refugees lived experiences may help provide them with better social and health care support. Proper mental and physical healthcare support and de-stigmatization programs may reduce the impact of multiple traumas on their wellbeing.

Psychometric Properties of 20-Item and 10-Item Persian Versions of Drug Abuse Screening Test

Introduction: Substance use disorder is one of the most critical social problems in Iran. For this disorder, weneed a proper assessment tool based on our indigenous culture. Objective: This study assesses the factor structure and psychometric properties of 10-item and 20-item Persian versions of Drug Abuse Screening Tests (DAST-10 and DAST-20). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we randomly selected 200 participants referred to addiction treatment centers in Rasht City, Iran. After translation to Persian and back-translation to English, the face and content validity of DAST-10 and DAST-20 Persian versions were evaluated using the opinions of a panel of expertsand calculatingthe content validity ratio and content validity index. Then, the construct validity was evaluated by Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA), the Cronbach α coefficient was used for assessing internal consistency, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used for assessing test-retest reliability. Results: The Mean±SD age of participants was 39.02±11.67 years. The majority (50%) were in the age range of 30-50 years. Based on the CFA fit indices, the two instruments had a good fit to the data, confirming the theoretical model Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) (RMSEA for DAST-20=0.080; RMSEA for DAST-10=0.055). The Cronbach α values ​​of DAST-20 and DAST-10 were 0.772 and 0.749, respectively, indicating their good and acceptable internal consistency. Their test-retest reliability was reported at 0.997 and 0.995 based on the results of ICC, respectively. There was a strong and significant positive correlation between the scores of Persian DAST-20 and DAST-10 (r=0.851, P=0.001). Conclusion: The DAST-20 and DAST-10 Persian versions which after correcting the model using confirmatory factor analysis, they were studies in DAST-8 and DAST-16 have good validity and reliability and can be used for screening the possible involvement of drugs in Iranian samples.

SOLVING ESP PROBLEMS: STUDENTS AND TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF INTEGRATING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY INTO ESP INSTRUCTION

Background and Purpose: English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction in Iran is still mostly focused on traditional ways. This study aims to investigate ESP teachers’ and students’ perceptions of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in ESP instruction to solve traditional ESP instruction problems in Iran.
 
 Methodology: This concurrent parallel mixed method study investigated students’ and teachers’ perceptions of solving ESP instruction problems through ICT. The sample concluded 300 undergraduate engineering students and 24 experienced and novice ESP teachers. In the quantitative phase of the study, data were collected through two adapted questionnaires. In the qualitative phase, data were obtained from interviews with 12 undergraduate students, three experienced, and three novice ESP teachers.
 
 Findings: The findings revealed that the participants had positive perceptions of integrating different ICT tools for solving the problems with traditional ESP materials and methods, problems with low language skills, lack of autonomy, demotivation problem, inactivity problem, and problems with lack of exposure to real-life situations. The findings also showed that integrating different ICT tools and ICT-based interactive activities promote students’ communication skills subconsciously through experiencing direct participation in communications.
 
 Conclusion and Contributions:he findings might contribute significantly to change the ESP instruction status quo in Iran, which is not based on the ESP students’ communication needs, and replace it with innovative approaches to meet the needs of the modern ESP student. The results also provide a unique outlook of promoting ESP instruction in tertiary education by integrating ICTs through divergent stakeholder perceptions.
 
 Keywords: English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Perception, Promoting English for Specific Purposes instruction
 
 Cite as: Keshtiarast, B., Salehi, H., Tabatabaei, O., & Baharlooie, R. (2022). Solving ESP problems: Students and teachers’ perceptions of integrating information and communication technology into ESP instruction. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(2), 444-472. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss2pp444-472

Qeirat Values and Victim Blaming in Iran: The Mediating Effect of Culture-Specific Gender Roles.

Sexual assaults are a social problem in Iran; however, psychological factors that predict perceptions of sexual assault remain largely unexamined. Here, we examine the relationship between moral concerns, culture-specific gender roles, and victim blaming in sexual assault scenarios in Iranian culture. Relying on Moral Foundations Theory and recent theoretical developments in moral psychology in the Iranian context, we examined the correlations between five moral foundations (Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Purity), a culture-specific set of values called Qeirat (which includes guarding and [over]protectiveness of female kin, romantic partners, broader family, and country), and victim blaming. In a community sample of Iranians (N = 411), we found Qeirat values to be highly correlated with victim blaming, and that this link was mediated by a number of culture-specific proscriptions about women's roles and dress code (i.e., Haya). In a regression analysis with all moral foundations, Qeirat values, Haya, and religiosity as predictors of victim blaming, only Haya, religiosity, high Authority values, and low Care values were found to predict how strongly Iranian participants blamed victims of sexual assault scenarios.

Investigating risks in renewable energy in oil-producing countries through multi-criteria decision-making methods based on interval type-2 fuzzy sets: A case study of Iran

Despite the importance of relying on renewable energy sources, oil-producing countries, especially Iran, encounter numerous risks associated with the generation of such energy sources. The present study investigated the risks in renewable energy in Iran. As the first investigation addressing this problem in Iran, the study methodologically improved the probability-impact matrix by employing multi-criteria decision-making (MDCM) methods and using interval type-2 fuzzy sets. The results showed that most important macro-level risks facing Iran's renewable energy generation were “inflation and price fluctuations”, “corruption”, “complex licensing procedures”, “research and development and the capacity of domestic technology”, “sanctions”, “exchange rate fluctuations”, and “property rights and contractual risks.” Following these macro-level risks, there were important specific risks both in the general field of energy and renewable energy including “geographical risks”, “non-renewable energy prices”, “electricity prices”, “a lack of a coherent renewable energy policy”, “the impact of climate change on revenue rates”, and “financial risks.” Finally, based on the outcome of the probability-impact matrix combined with the hierarchy of risks, the two highest-priority risks are “complex licensing procedures” and “non-renewable energy prices.” To respond to such risks, it would be necessary to formulate coherent and integrated policies.

Investigation of Epidemiological Aspects of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Jahrom, Fars Province, Between 2015 and 2019

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the diseases caused by the Leishmania parasite, which is considered a health problem in Iran. Jahrom, a county in Fars province located in the south of Iran, is one of the endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Objectives: The present study investigated the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Jahrom between 2015 and 2019. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was performed to evaluate the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in patients referred to the Jahrom Health Center between 2015 and 2019. Results: A total of 584 cases were identified, of which (347) 59.4% were males and (237) 40.6% were females. The acute cases were observed in all age groups, and the highest proportion was seen at less than 10 years of age. The numbers of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis from 2015 to 2019 were 180, 88, 117, 108, and 91, respectively. Cutaneous leishmaniasis was more common in autumn and winter. The proportion was higher in males and urban inhabitants. There was a statistically significant difference between the genders and places of residence (P < 0.05). Also, the highest proportion of lesions was on the hands (48.8%). Conclusions: Based on the findings in Jahrom city, the proportion of the disease was higher in younger age groups, males, urban inhabitants, and autumn. The most common lesions were on the hands, feet, and face.

Association between labor force participation rates and the total fertility rate in Iran: gender aspect

The influence of economic growth on the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has been widely discussed and demonstrated in many research papers. The labor force participation rate and the unemployment rate as economic indicators play an important role in the TFR dynamics. Different studies have shown that fluctuations in female and male labor force participation rates have either positive or negative impacts on the TFR. In this study, we aim to investigate if there is any positive or negative correlation between female and male labor participation rates and the TFR in Iran. We applied time-series analysis for the period 1991-2019. We used secondary data from official bodies such as Iran’s Ministry of Cooperatives Labor and Social Welfare, the World Bank data, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the Statistical Center of Iran, and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Dynamics to explain the trends in labor force participation rates, unemployment rates, and the TFR. We also applied Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis to measure the strength and direction of these relationships. The results of the study show that the female labor force participation rate has a negative correlation (r = -0.783, sig. = 0.000), and the male labor force participation rate has a positive correlation with the TFR (r = 0.827, sig. = 0.000). Men’s unemployment seems to have a negative correlation (r = -0.366, sig. = 0.050), and women’s unemployment seems to have no correlation with the TFR. Considering the economic problems in Iran, more women will enter the labor market in the nearest future, therefore they postpone their marriage and the TFR will continue to decline.

Burn Injuries in People Who Used Drug, 2009 to 2017: A Case-Control Study in Shiraz, Southern Iran.

Burn injury is a critical health issue, which is associated with several morbidities and mortalities. Substance abuse, which is an important public health problem in Iran, can affect burn injury outcomes and etiologies in victims. This study was aimed to evaluate different aspects of burn injuries in people who used drug (PWUD) in two referral centers in the south of Iran. This case-control study was conducted on burn victims referred to Amir-al Momenin Hospital and Ghotb-al-din Hospital from 2009 to 2017. Patients with a history of drug consumption were selected from the database and compared to randomly selected burn victims with no history of drug use. Demographics, burn etiology, underlying disease, total body surface area, hospitalization duration, and also the outcomes were collected and recorded in both groups. Data analysis was done by SPSS software. A total of 5912 inpatients were included in this study, of which 2397 of them (40.54%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 26.12 ± 19.18. Drug history was positive in 659 patients (11.15%). Familial issues and mental disorders were significantly higher in the PWUD group compared to the control group (P < .001). Explosion etiology was significantly higher in the PWUD group (P < .001). Psychiatric disorders (P < .001), total body surface area (P = .023), and hospital stay (P < .001) were significantly higher in PWUD; however, the mortality rate had no statistically significant differences between the groups (P = .583). Substance abuse is a risk factor in burn victims, which can affect burn etiology and burn-related morbidities.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Vaccinated Children and Adolescents with HBsAg-positive Parents: Is Routine Vaccination Sufficient?

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a severe public health problem in Iran. This study was conducted to investigate the intrafamilial transmission of HBV in vaccinated children whose one or both parents were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Methods: In a study with retrospective cohort design, 110 exposed cases with HBsAg-positive parent(s) were compared with 110 unexposed controls of the same sex and age groups. The participants were directly asked about demographic characteristics, medical history, and vaccinations. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HBV infection markers using the ELIZA method. Results: Overall, 1.8% HBsAg (P = 0.15) and 13.6% hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) (P &lt; 0.0001) positivity rates were detected in the exposed group. The hepatitis B surface antibody titer (HBsAb) showed that 34.5% of cases and 56.3% of controls had HBsAb levels &gt; 10 IU/L. There was a significant difference in the protective HBsAb level between the two groups (P &lt; 0.0001). There were significant associations between HBsAb level and gender in the exposed group and decreased HBsAb levels and age. Conclusions: The high rate of positive HBcAb and HBsAg and decreasing HBsAb levels with age in this study indicate that routine childhood vaccination programs are inadequate in preventing HBV transmission and vaccine routes changing or further booster vaccination is essential. Effective case finding in vaccinated children with HBsAg-positive parents, intradermal vaccination, and hepatitis B immunoglobulin in newborns with HBsAg-positive fathers are suggested.

Evaluation of Antileishmania Effect of Methanolic Extract of Dandelion Root (Taraxacum Officinale) on Leishmanaia Major Promastigotes in Vitro Techniques

Background and Objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the common diseases between humans and animals that is considered a health problem in Iran and many countries around the world. Currently, glucantime is used to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis. Due to its high side effects and resistance, the use of alternative therapies, especially plants and natural compounds, has been highly recommended by researchers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the methanolic extract of dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) on Leishmania major in vitro techniques. Methods: In this experimental study, the extract was prepared by the Soxhlet method and to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of dandelion root on L. major parasite at concentrations of 300-1200 mg/ml. Amphotericin B and distilled water were considered as positive and negative controls, respectively. Then, 106 live parasites were added to all tubes, and all groups were kept at 25 ±1 °C. At 24, 48, and 72 hours, the number of live parasites was counted by Trypan Blue using a neobar slide and light microscope (Hemocytometer method). Then Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for the above extract was calculated using SigmaPlot™ 13 software. All steps of the experiment were done in triplicate and the results were considered as average. Results: The IC50 content of methanolic extract of dandelion roots after 24, 48, and 72 hours on L. major were calculated to be 1.04, 0.9, and 0.68 µg/ml. The highest growth inhibition (100%) was observed at a concentration of 1200 μg/ml after 72 hours of exposure. There was a significant difference between the IC50 extract and amphotericin B drug after 24, 48 and 72 hours (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Methanolic extract of dandelion root in different concentrations has an inhibitory effect on the growth of L. major and it is suggested that more and more complete studies be performed on the components of this plant and the lethal effect of the parasite in vivo.

Investigating the Effect of Marginal Areas around the Cities on Rural Road Accidents in Iran Using Linear and Logistic Regression Approaches

According to previous studies, 60% to 70% of rural road accidents in Iran occur at city entrance zones. Therefore, the characteristics of these zones could be considered as effective parameters on rural road accidents. In all previous studies, a 30-km buffer of cities entrance has been considered as the border of the entrance zone. The 30-km buffer could not be considered as the boundary of influence area (BIA) of cites entrance for all types of roads and cities, only based on aggregate rural road accidents´ data and a traditional definition of the city entrance zone. Determining the BIA for various rural roads with different characteristics using modeling, which is the innovation of this research, and implementing safety improvements in these areas according to their specifications, not only reduce the number of rural road accidents and fatalities but also prevent the loss of road safety costs considering the economic problems in Iran. Thus, this study aims to develop linear and logistic regression models to predict the BIA of rural roads in Iran. The results indicate a fit index value of 0.737 for the linear regression model, 0.379 and 0.346 for the ordered probit (OP) and multinomial logit (ML) models, respectively. According to the analysis of significant variables at the 95% confidence level, the density of access points, and the length of adjacent land uses are the most important variables affecting BIA.

Problems of Iran’s relations with the leading world Powers in the initial period of the Second World War (1939–1941)

The article examines the complex relations between Iran and the leading world powers at the initial stage of the Second World War. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that Iran’s foreign policy is considered in the context of active diplomatic maneuvers of the Reza Shah government aimed at distancing itself from the belligerent powers and preserving Iran’s neutrality. The novelty of the research consists in studying the features of the foreign policy actions of the government of the Ira, which allow us to reveal the reasons for the formation of conflict relations with Great Britain and the USSR in the initial period of the war. It is established that despite the predominant military-political rivalry at the beginning of the war between Germany and Great Britain, the Iranian authorities were afraid of an invasion of the country by Anglo-Soviet troops. At the same time, it is emphasized that such a danger was real, given the active underground activities of Nazi agents in this country directed against the USSR, as well as the growth of pro-German sentiments in the Iranian government. These circumstances caused the desire of the USSR leadership to secure the southern borders of the country; In turn, the government of Great Britain set a goal to prevent Nazi Germany from implementing its long-term plans to invade the territories of the Near and Middle East controlled by the British, as well as British India. As a result of the conducted research, it is concluded that the entry of Anglo-Soviet troops into the territory of Iran was the logical consequence of the failed foreign policy actions of the Shah’s government aimed at further rapprochement with Nazi Germany, with the expectation that after its victory over the Soviet Union, Iran will be able to expand its borders at the expense of the border territories of the Soviet Transcaucasia.

Investigating the effectiveness of nanotechnologies in environmental health with an emphasis on environmental health journals

ObjectiveThe use of nanotechnologies is important to reduce environmental health problems in Iran, so the present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of nanotechnologies in environmental health. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study for 11-year periods (2008–2018) on all articles published in three specialized journals of environmental health with emphasis on the use of nanotechnologies in various fields of environmental health (water, air, sewage, waste, food, radiation, etc).ResultsIn this study, 774 articles related to 114 issues of 3 specialized environmental health journals were reviewed. A review of 774 articles showed that 80 articles (10.3%) were published in the field of nanotechnologies. Out of 80 articles published in the field of nanotechnology, 66 articles (82.5%) were published on the subject of water, 9 articles (11.3%) on wastewater and 5 articles (6.2%) on air pollution. Subject review of articles showed that articles using carbon nanotubes to remove natural organic pollutants, surfactants, hydroxybenzenes, phenol, dimethyl phthalates, use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, iron-magnesium nanoparticles for wastewater treatment, Silver nanoparticles were used to remove air pollution. The results showed that published articles on nanotechnology in the field of environmental health were few.

Short and long-term outcomes of patients with coronary artery bypass surgery

BACKGROUNDCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a major problem in Iran as well as throughout the globe, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is an appropriate option for many patients with symptomatic and severe CAD. The main purpose of this study was assessment of the short and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing CABG in Yazd Province, Iran.METHODSThis historical cohort study examined the mortality rates of patients who had undergone CABG in Afshar Hospital in Yazd from 2011 to 2013. During this period, 2510 patients undergoing CABG were entered into the study and then followed for in-hospital and long-term mortality.RESULTSMean age of the patients was 61.37 ± 10.50 years and 34.1% were women. In-hospital mortality turned out to be 3.7% and age over 70, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, female gender, and left main (LM) involvement induced significant higher in-hospital mortality. Of all the patients, 84.1% were followed for a period of 41 ± 20 months. The survival rate proved to be 92.4% in one year and 82.9% in five years. The patients with age over 70, diabetes mellitus (DM), and LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) showed significant lower survival rate, whereas the patients with utilization of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) demonstrated significant higher survival rate.CONCLUSIONIn-hospital and long-term mortality rate of patients undergoing CABG surgery is acceptable in comparison with other studies and more effort is needed into making this event a success.

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis moulei and Sarcocystis spp. (Sarcocystidae: Apicomplexa) from slaughtered sheep in southwest Iran.

Sarcocystis species are intracellular protozoan which mostlycomplete their life cycle in two hosts. The parasite has a significant economic, medical and veterinary impact in many regions of the world and considered as a significant health problem in Iran. However, most of infections are asymptomatic and mortality is extremely rare. The present study aimed to determine the molecular phylogeny of the Sarcocystis species isolated from sheep slaughtered in southwest Iran, using mitochondrial DNA sequences of 18S rRNA gene. The DNA was extracted from sheep muscular tissue (n = 60), and partial sequence of 18S rDNA was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two monophyletic clades representing S. moulei (n = 3) and Sarcocystis spp. (n = 3). BI posterior probability and MP bootstrap values strongly supported the monophyly of these clades. In conclusion, phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis species using 18S rRNA gene could be helpful in identifying the new species of the Sarcocystis.

کووید-19 باعث مرگ 9/6 میلیون نفر در سراسر جهان شده است، بیش از دو برابر آن چیزی که گزارشها میگویند

Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and Founder of the Global Burden Disease Project, hosted a global webinar on the death of Covid-19 in June 2021. The sources used in this webinar have been published on the IHME website. To provide Murray's views on measuring health statistic for a broader audience, this content has been prepared and published for Persian-speaking readers in this commentary. This article shows that deaths due to Covid-19 are more than double the official reports (1). How to cite this article: Abbasi-Kangevari M, Murray Ch, Kolahi A.A. COVID-19 has Caused 6.9 Million Deaths Globally, More Than Double What Official Reports Show. Salāmat-i ijtimāī (Community Health). 2021; 8(2): 342-348. DOI: http://doi.org/10.22037/ch.v8i2.31471. Corresponding Author: Ali-Asghar Kolahi, Email: a.kolahi@sbmu.ac.ir Extended Abstract Interpretation: Dr. Murray's access to global data along with his expertise in the subject guarantees the validity of his statements. Readers need to note that the absence of the name of Iran among the top 20 countries does not necessarily mean low COVID-19 mortality. The table reports the absolute mortality values. Naturally, countries with larger populations will also have higher death numbers. Nevertheless, looking at the map, Iran has a high COVID-19 mortality rate. Notably, analysis has suggested that Iran ranks second after Mexico in terms of COVID-19 mortality rate (2). Underestimation is not confined to COVID-19 mortality, and it could be seen in almost any health indicator. The witnessed differences between countries could be determined by the level of development of managing vital statistics and the healthcare system. While there is not much confidence in the statistics reported from Iran, the existence of vital indicators, even if not accurate, could portray an estimation of the current situation. The problems in Iran are less related to the statistics sectors and the healthcare system. To achieve indicators with more confidence, we need fundamental changes at the decision-making levels. This will not be a priority unless indicators are used for future planning and management. Recommendations: It could be recommended that readers pay attention to the significant role of accurate vital statistics. Understanding the actual death toll from COVID-19 could not only help us better understand the magnitude of this global crisis, but it could also provide valuable information to policymakers to help them plan for damage control and community recovery. Acknowledgement: This commentary was derived from the official website of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). The authors thank IHME and other investigators for their invaluable contribution. Conflict of Interest: None of the authors has any conflict of interest to disclose. Ethical publication statement: We confirm that we have read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines. REFERENCES: 1.COVID-19 has caused 6.9 million deaths globally, more than double what official reports show. Available from: http://www.healthdata.org/news-release/covid-19-has-caused-69-million-deaths-globally-more-double-what-official-reports-show. (Accessed 22 June. 2021). 2.Kolahi AA. Morbidity and Mortality of COVID-19 in Iran on 2020.11.17. Salāmat-i ijtimāī (Community Health). 2020; 7(Supple COVID-19): 24-25. DOI: http://doi.org/10.22037/ch.v7i2.31292 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License]

Evaluation of Urinary Iodine by Sandell-kolthoff Reaction Method in Urban and Rural Children Referring to the Shiraz Shahid Motahari Clinic and Village of Marvdasht City in 2016 and 2017

Background and Objectives: Iodine deficiency affects the population of all age groups, but neonates, infants, pregnant women, and school children constitute the most vulnerable groups. Disorders caused by iodine deficiency are among the major health-nutritional problems in Iran. Because of the importance of this matter, the present study was done to evaluate the status of urinary iodine in 6-16 years old children in urban and rural areas and to compare measurement indices of urinary iodine. Subjects and Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we included 230 6-16 years old children, including 128 urban and 102 rural children. In all samples, the creatinine amount was measured based on the Jaffe reaction, and iodine was measured by the acid digestion method. Since iodine concentration was not normally distributed, the median value of urinary iodine was reported. Also, the urinary iodine/ creatinine (UI/Cr) ratio index was calculated in all samples. Results The median value of urinary iodine in all examined children was 14.30 μg/dL and in children of urban and rural areas were 15.6 and 12.9 μg/dL, respectively. Because these measurements were more than 10 μg/dL, the urinary iodine was sufficient in children of both regions. Based on the median UI/Cr ratio, the iodine excretion was 178.92 μg/g in all children (more than 50 μg/g showing iodine sufficiency). Conclusion Based on median urinary iodine and median UI/Cr ratio, iodine intake in children was normal. Also, according to the present study, there is a fair agreement between both mentioned indices