Southeast Of Iran Research Articles

Malaria Epidemiology in Rask City and Surrounding Areas (2020 - 2023), Southeast Iran

Background: Malaria, a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a major global health challenge, causing widespread illness and mortality. Objectives: This study provides an in-depth analysis of malaria trends in Rask, Southeast Iran, from 2018 to 2023, assessing malaria prevalence, transmission factors, and impacts on the local population and healthcare system. Methods: Blood samples were collected from individuals suspected of having malaria at health centers in Rask. For each positive case, demographic information was recorded in a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26, with t-tests applied to compare variables. Results: Findings indicate a peak in malaria cases in 2022, with an annual incidence rate of 2.49%. The most common species identified was Plasmodium vivax, affecting primarily males over the age of 12, with the highest number of cases reported in September. Conclusions: The results underscore the urgent need to enhance malaria prevention and control measures. The study emphasizes the value of targeted interventions, including improvements to prevention and treatment programs, reinforcement of healthcare systems, and advancement of health infrastructure. These strategies should consider climatic patterns and rainfall rates to effectively address malaria transmission dynamics.

Prevalence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus spp. Isolates in Southeast Iran, Zahedan

Background: Enterococci are clinically significant, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems, which are recognized as a critical contributor to nosocomial infections. Objectives: This study aimed to determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles and vancomycin-resistance Enterococcus (VRE) isolates in Zahedan, Iran. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Ali Ibne Abi Talib Hospital from March 2019 to February 2022. Clinical samples included urine, blood, abscesses and other body fluids from patients referred to this hospital during the study period. A total of 3000 patients were included in the study, and the Kirby-Bauer method was used to test isolates identified by morphological and biochemical characteristics for antibiotic susceptibility. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 3000 culture-positive clinical samples comprised of 82 urine, ten blood, one tracheal, two wound, and one pulmonary isolate, were identified as Enterococcus faecalis (69.1%), Enterococcus faecium (7.3%), and Enterococcus spp. (23.6%). Moreover, two-thirds of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Although 66.7% and 63.9% were sensitive to nitrofurantoin and linezolid, resistance to ciprofloxacin (74.2%) and ampicillin (65.9%) was frequently observed. Nitrofurantoin or linezolid were the only effective antibiotics for UTIs. In addition, 50% of isolates were resistant to vancomycin. Conclusions: Based on the results, a combination of vancomycin/or linezolid and nitrofurantoin for urine infections was effective against Enterococci in this clinical center. Nevertheless, continuous and frequent surveillance for resistance patterns is necessary for the reasonable and evidence-based use of antibiotics.

A Study of Clinical and Bacteriological Characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Birjand, South-East Iran: Hypervirulent Phenotype, Biofilm Formation, Virulence Factors, and Antibiotic Resistance

A Study of Clinical and Bacteriological Characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Birjand, South-East Iran: Hypervirulent Phenotype, Biofilm Formation, Virulence Factors, and Antibiotic Resistance

Correlation between lithium concentrations in drinking water and suicide attempt in the southeast of Iran.

Suicide, as an avoidable cause of death in public health systems, currently lacks effective global strategies to prevent it. However, several epidemiological studies found a correlation between the concentration of lithium (Li) in drinking water and lower suicide rates in the general population. Our ecologicalstudy investigated this hypothesis in the Rafsanjan districtof Iran. Samples from the public water supply in 16 areas in the district were analyzed using the graphite furnace atomic absorption. The resulting data were examined in relation to the suicide attempt from March 2019 to March 2020 obtained from Iran's Ministry of Health's registration system. During that period, 239 suicide attempts were recorded, resulting in an average of 69 individuals (85 women and 54 men) per 100,000 residents of the area. The average Li concentration in the drinking water was 47.30 µg/L (ranging from 9.4 to 141 µg/L). A negative significantcorrelation (r = -0.551, p = 0.027) between Li concentration in water and the rate of suicide attempt were observed in the studied population. Notably, these findings indicate an inverse significantrelationship between Li levels and suicide attempt rate in women (r = -0.725, p = 0.001). This is the first study in Iran that examines the relationship between Li levels in drinking water and suicide attempt rate. The findings of this study support an inverse relationship between the level of Li in public drinking water and the rate of womensuicide attempt.

Effectiveness of the National Blood Pressure Measurement Campaign in the East and Southeast of Iran

Effectiveness of the National Blood Pressure Measurement Campaign in the East and Southeast of Iran

Changes in sexual activity in young women during pregnancy

Objective: To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women. Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran. Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy. Results: 201 Pregnant women were included. The average age of pregnant women was (27.3±6.1) years and their average gestational age was (24.7±11.8) years. More than 62% of women had decreased sexual activity. There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time (P=0.013), abortion history (P=0.001) and premature birth history (P=0.002). Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus (67.7%). A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63% of pregnant women. More than 60% of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues (63.5%). The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need (32%). Most women experienced back pain during (42.8%) and after (39.8%) intercourse. Conclusions: Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples, which can affect the quality of relationships. The role of education is essential. Therefore, it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care, wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.

Investigating the Status of Social Support in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Southeast Iran

Abstract Objective: Social support plays a crucial role in modifying health-related behaviors aimed at controlling chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. This research investigates the social support status of patients with type 2 diabetes in Kerman, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a descriptive-analytical approach and investigated 184 patients referred to the diabetes clinic. The participants were selected through systematic sampling, and data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, mean, and standard deviation, were calculated. Multivariate linear regression was employed to analyze the data, which were entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 statistical software. Results: The findings indicate that social support was most prominent in the area of nutrition, whereas it was least prominent in the area of exercise. Gender was found to have a statistically significant relationship with both nutritional status and drug consumption dimensions, as women demonstrated lower average scores in these areas compared to men. Moreover, gender and education were observed to impact the dimension of general care. However, none of the demographic characteristics analyzed showed a statistically significant relationship with exercise and physical activity. Conclusion: It is crucial to give ample attention to supporting and empowering patients’ families and social groups. Furthermore, adding psychological dimensions to social support could be beneficial. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions that target specific areas of support, such as exercise and general care, and take into account the differences between men and women.

Geothermobaromertry of minettes from Kouleh sangi area, north of Zahedan, southeast Iran

Geothermobaromertry of minettes from Kouleh sangi area, north of Zahedan, southeast Iran

Association of ERCC1 Gene Polymorphisms (rs3212986 and rs11615) With the Risk of Lung Cancer in a Population From Southeast Iran.

Polymorphisms within the excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1), an essential component of DNA repair mechanisms, have been associated with various malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3212986 and rs11615 within the ERCC1 gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Study Design: A case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples of 83 NSCLC patients and 119 healthy individuals. The genetic diversity of SNPs rs3212986 and rs11615 was determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The RFLP results were confirmed through sequencing. The TT genotype of the rs11615 SNP was associated with a higher risk of NSCLC development (odds ratio: 3.900, 95% confidence interval: 0.603, 22.866, P=0.050). Furthermore, the AA genotype of rs3212986 was related to a higher risk of NSCLC development (OR: 2.531, 95% CI: 1.017, 6.300, P=0.046). A significant association was observed between smoking and lung cancer (OR: 3.072, 95% CI: 1.715, 5.503, P<0.001). Moreover, among non-smokers, there was an association between lung cancer risk and the AA (OR: 6.825, 95% CI: 1.722, 27.044, P=0.006) and AC (OR: 2.503, 95% CI: 0.977, 6.412, P=0.056) genotypes of rs3212986. However, no correlation was found between the genotypes of these SNPs and patients' sensitivity to cisplatin and carboplatin (P ˃ 0.05). The rs11615-related TT genotype and the rs3212986-related AA genotype may be associated with a higher risk of lung cancer development.

Knowledge, Attitude and Performance (KAP) of People regarding Microplastics as a New Health Problem in Kerman, Iran

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of people towards Microplastics (MPs). Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 500 residences in Kerman city, southeast Iran, in 2023 through a questionnaire that was designed and validated by the authors. Results: More respondents were female (65%), 18–30 years old (43%), undergraduate (48%), and students (35%), and 63% of respondents sorted garbage. Respondents had good knowledge towards general information, but not towards expert information. The highest percentage of respondents with correct answers to the knowledge questions (80%) had the knowledge about environmental pollution to MPs, causing diseases in humans. The maximum percentage of respondents agreed to the attitude questions (57%) agreed with the point that food sellers should recommend cloth bags to shoppers instead of plastic bag, and 60% of them would like to know more about MPs. In terms of practice, 41% of the respondents stated that they usually leave plastic waste in the environment. Conclusion: The current study showed that there is limited information about MPs in books and among the public. Education and offering free reusable bags were considered as the effective policies to reduce MPs pollution. Also, less environmental awareness and poor management were considered as challenges to reduce emission of MPs.

Risk assessment of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni) in the edible tissue of Oncorhynchus mykiss trout in the rivers of the southern Caspian Sea and the northern and southeast coast of Iran

The study aims to monitor and compare the concentration of heavy metals viz., zinc, copper, lead and nickel in the edible tissue of Oncorhynchus mykiss trout in the southern coast of Caspian Sea and the rivers of Khash city in the north-southeast coast of Iran. The average concentrations of zinc, copper, lead and nickel for the Stations in the north of Iran and the southeast of Iran were found 10.1, 8.1, 5.9, 4.7 and 6.5, 6.1, 3.5, 3.2 μg/g dry weight, respectively. Lead exceeded was the recommended standard limits by WHO, FAO, NHMRC, EC and UKMAFF. Based on the results, the average nickel metal was higher than the allowed concentration of international standards in all the studied stations, which indicates that more control should be done on the sources producing this metal around the target areas. furthermore, the daily intake (EDI) of the studied metals in all age groups were lower than the reference dose determined by the EPA organization and the tolerable intake (TI) provided by the FAO/WHO organization. The lowest frequency of daily consumption of Oncorhynchus mykiss was reported for the group of adult males and based on nickel metal (1.67 μg/g) and lead metal (1.14 μg/g) in the rivers located in the south of the Caspian Sea and the rivers of Khash city located in the southeast of Iran, respectively. The risk potential and risk index for non-cancerous diseases for all age groups in the muscle tissue of this fish was less than one, which shows that the consumption of this type of fish for human consumption will not cause a problem from the point of view of health and public health. However, management measures are necessary to prevent and control pollutants, especially in the southern shores of the Caspian Sea.

Evaluating the Healthcare System Responsiveness for COVID-19 Care in Southeast Iran

Background: Health system responsiveness is critical in managing infectious disease epidemics. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the health system during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 patients who had been discharged from hospitals after recovering from COVID-19 during 2021 - 2022 in Sistan-Baluchistan province, located in the southeastern region of Iran. Data were collected using the World Health Organization health system responsiveness tool through telephone interviews. Descriptive statistics methods were used to determine the responsiveness score. T-tests and one-way analysis of variance were also used to compare the means between groups. Results: The overall score for health system responsiveness was 110.12 ± 13.12, indicating a moderate level of responsiveness. The communication dimension received the highest mean score (30.12 ± 4.73), while the choice of provider dimension had the lowest mean score (5.65 ± 2.37). Significant relationships were found between health system responsiveness and variables such as place of residence (P = 0.01), city of residence (P = 0.001), and household size (P = 0.05). Conclusions: The study identified areas for improvement in health system responsiveness within Sistan-Baluchistan's hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance patient care and strengthen the healthcare system's responsiveness, health policymakers should implement measures such as developing responsiveness guidelines, establishing a dedicated responsiveness unit, and providing training programs for healthcare professionals. Regular evaluation of responsiveness in hospitals is also crucial.

Cancer Unveiling: A Profile of Incidence and Trends in Bam City, Southeast Iran

Background Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to the report from the Iranian Ministry of Health, cancer ranks as the third most common cause of death in Iran. Consequently, acquiring information about cancer statistics and their trends is crucial for cancer prevention and control. In this study, we examined the trends and epidemiology of cancer in Bam City, Iran, from 2014 to 2019. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using cancer registry data spanning from 2014 to 2019 in Bam, located in Kerman Province. Common cancers were determined based on the reported number of cancer cases and age-standardized rates. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 22) and GraphPad Prism (version 9). Results In this study, we examined 1,290 cases of cancer registered in Bam City, Kerman Province, from 2014 to 2019. Of our study population, 42.8% (552 cases) were women. The sex ratio (male to female) for all cancers during the 6-year study period was 1.34. The highest number of cancer cases among men occurred in 2016, while among women, it was in 2017. The age-standardized incidence rate did not display a clear increasing or decreasing trend; instead, we observed fluctuations over the 6-year period for both sexes. Notably, the age-standardized incidence rate trend for males consistently remained higher than that for females. Conclusion Fluctuations of the trend in our study can be attributed to reasons such as referral of cases to other cities with better medical facilities and weakness in the cancer registration system of deprived areas such as Bam. Nevertheless, to reduce the burden of cancer, each individual should be aware of the most preventable risk factors, such as an unhealthy lifestyle and occupational exposure. To achieve this goal, the government should prioritize improving the accuracy and completeness of cancer registry centers.

Engineering Characteristics of Concrete Made from Daz Shrub Fibers and Iranshahr Daman River Sediments in the Southeast of Iran in Strengthening Structures Against Earthquakes

The purpose of the present research is the engineering characteristics of concrete made from Daz shrub fibers and Iranshahr Daman river sediments in the southeast of Iran in strengthening structures against earthquakes. Therefore, in order to determine the textural characteristics and composition of sediments of the Daman River, 15 samples of the sediments of this river were collected in separate bags, and then to study, the composition, texture and constituents of these sediments were made into thin sections. The laboratory was transferred. Statistical graphs and parameters of sediments were drawn to determine the average size, frequency and cumulative graphs. Examining the process of texture changes along the river, after drawing the relevant graphs of texture changes and the composition of sediment samples taken from Daman River, shows textural changes. Also, a comparison between single-stranded, two-stranded and three-stranded leaves of Daz shrub was used to increase the strength of concrete, and the results showed that the effect of concrete strength is by changing the number of leaves from one strand. It varied in three fields. The resistance of two strands of Daz leaves was 10.1 MPa, a single strand was 9.5 MPa, and a sample of cylindrical concrete consisting of three strands of Daz leaves was the least resistant, i.e. 5.1 MPa. Therefore, the highest resistance is related to the concrete made of two strands of leaves. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/pst.788

Comparative Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Five Species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) Collected from Southeast of Iran, Kerman

Background: The antimicrobial properties of certain plants against five microorganisms have been investigated and compared. Objectives: In this research, we collected, dried, and identified five perennial (chamaephyte) species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) from a mountainous region (Takht-e-Sartashtak) with an average elevation of 3600 meters in southeastern Iran. The species include Astragalus cemerinus, Astragalus dactylocarpus, Astragalus glaucacanthus, Astragalus rhodosemius, and Astragalus siliquosus. Methods: The methanolic extracts of these plant species were tested to evaluate their antimicrobial activity against five pathogenic microorganisms, including one fungus (Candida albicans), two gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), and two gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus). The tests were conducted using Mueller Hinton Agar culture media and the agar-well diffusion method. Results: The antimicrobial activity of these five species was compared. It was found that the plant species displayed different antimicrobial activities. Astragalus glaucacanthus was active against four of the five microorganisms and was the only plant active against Escherichia coli. Astragalus siliquosus showed no activity against any of the microorganisms. Conclusions: Most of the antimicrobial activity was observed with Astragalus rhodosemius against Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the plant extracts were almost similar.

Investigation of the chemical and microbial quality of water supplied by treatment stations in Kerman city, Iran

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the quality of water supplied in Kerman city, southeast Iran. Total hardness, nitrite, nitrate, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and elements were measured in samples from five stations in four seasons in 2022. The concentration levels of (mg/L) As (0.42 ± 1.83), Cd (0.004 ± 0.01), Cu (2.51 ± 3.38), Ni (1.33 ± 0.86), and Pb (1.50 ± 2.11) were more than the standard. Total coliforms in samples (5.30 ± 7.87) were more than the national standard (0/100 mL) with a significant mean difference in seasons (p-value = 0.04). Fecal coliforms were detected in samples collected in autumn (2.00 ± 0.00/100 mL). The findings showed that water treatment in stations could not remove the toxic heavy metals of As, Pb, and Cd. But the microbial pollution was detected in some samples. Therefore, the use of these waters is generally not recommended. Further studies and comparisons with water quality in the distribution system can provide more useful results.

Evaluation of the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus brevis and Lactococcus lactis isolated from yellow curd native to southeast Iran

Evaluation of the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus brevis and Lactococcus lactis isolated from yellow curd native to southeast Iran

The Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Southeast of Iran

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global public health issue. Although infant immunoprophylaxis effectively reduces viral transmission, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, often associated with intrauterine infection, remains a major route of HBV infection. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of maternal HBV infection, identify its associated factors, and measure viral load in Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women in Zahedan, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study included data from pregnant women who were referred to the Central Laboratory of Zahedan, Iran, for routine pregnancy tests between August and December 2019. Data were collected during the first prenatal visit along with HBsAg testing. Hepatitis B surface antigen testing was repeated for HBsAg-positive women at 24 - 28 weeks of gestation. If the patient remained HBsAg-positive, serum viral load was determined. Factors associated with HBV infection were identified using multiple logistic regression models. Results: A total of 1,474 pregnant women participated in this study. Among them, 24 (1.6%, 95% CI: 0.9% - 2.2%) were HBsAg-positive, with 17 (71%) of these patients being unaware of their infection. The mean viral load in infected women was (11.1 ± 3.2) × 107 IU/mL. Only 13.3% of pregnant women were vaccinated against HBV. Maternal tobacco use, family history of HBV infection, previous history of HBV infection, and history of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were significantly associated with HBV infection (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of HBV infection remains high among pregnant women, and vertical transmission poses a major challenge in the elimination of HBV infection in southeastern Iran. In addition to active-passive immunoprophylaxis, universal screening of all pregnant women for HBV infection and the use of peripartum antiviral therapy in HBsAg-positive pregnant women with high viral loads are warranted.

Long-Term Wind and Air Temperature Patterns in the Southeastern Region of Iran through Model Simulation and Ground Observations

Dust storms are one of the important natural hazards that affect the lives of inhabitants all around the world, especially in North Africa and the Middle East. In this study, wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature patterns are investigated in one of the dustiest cities in Sistan Basin, Zahedan City, located in southeast Iran, over a 17-year period (2004–2020) using a WRF model and ground observation data. The city is located near a dust source and is mostly affected by local dust storms. The World Meteorology Organization (WMO) dust-related codes show that the city was affected by local dust, with 52 percent of the total dust events occurring during the period (2004–2021). The city’s weather station reported that 17.5% and 43% were the minimum and maximum dusty days, respectively, during 2004–2021. The summer and July were considered the dustiest season and month in the city. Since air temperature, wind speed, and wind direction are important factors in dust rising and propagation, these meteorological factors were simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for the Zahedan weather station. The WRF model’s output was found to be highly correlated with the station data; however, the WRF simulation mostly overestimated when compared with station data during the study period (2004–2020). The model had a reasonable performance in wind class frequency distribution at the station, demonstrating that 42.6% of the wind was between 0.5 and 2, which is in good agreement with the station data (42% in the range of 0.5–2). So, the WRF model effectively simulated the wind class frequency distribution and the wind direction at Zahedan station, despite overestimating the wind speed as well as minimum, maximum, and average air temperatures during the 17-year period.

Prevalence of alcoholic beverage consumption among a population with a history of methanol poisoning in the southeast of Iran

ABSTRACT Background The use of alcoholic substances in adults is often associated with a wide variety of negative consequences. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcoholic beverage consumption in a population with a history of methanol poisoning in the southeast of Iran. Methods A total of 876 individuals were interviewed using a cross-sectional survey between 2020 and 2021. We used two methods of asking direct questions (ADQ) and network scale-up (NSU) for estimating the prevalence of alcoholic beverage consumption. Results The mean age of the participants was 41.07 ± 14.52; 46% were female. Based on the method of ADQ, the prevalence of alcoholic beverage consumption was 22.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.45–25.95%) and 4.4% (95% CI: 2.24–6.16%) among men and women, respectively. While these values for the NSU method were 26.53% (95% CI: 19.93–35.88%) and 8.31% (95% CI: 6.32–10.58%) among men and women, respectively. Conclusions Our results show that asking direct questions about illegal behavior can provide a lower estimate than indirect questioning approaches. Due to the high prevalence of alcoholic beverage consumption in men, this issue may increase the risk of unintentional poisoning by methanol in this area.