Southeastern Iran Research Articles

A novel robust evaluation approach to improve systematic behavior of failure safety in water supply system under various ellipsoid uncertainties

This study proposes a novel robust optimization approach for an integrated water supply system, wherein the decision-makers attempt to improve failure safety of system under various uncertainty strategies. To cope with uncertainty, the ellipsoid uncertainty set is assumed to evaluate the best feasible solution in the direction of water supply under various strategies. We assessed the case of Hamoun watershed, a water-stressed watershed in southeastern of Iran, to evaluate the developed robust optimization model. In the following, the comparative feasibility under uncertainty levels is conducted to analyze the impacts of simulation strategies on the status of robust model. Based on the final results, the reliability of the model's objective functions experienced an increasing trend (58.3%\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$58.3\\%$$\\end{document}), and the objective function values under the uncertainty strategies is greatly improved. The findings of the analysis show that the robust strategies in response to the failure safety achieve outstanding optimal objectives under uncertainty.

Water footprint assessment in an industrial symbiosis system based on environmental, economic, and social sustainability indices

Integrated water resource management requires a comprehensive assessment of all water uses, both direct and indirect, which can be captured by the Water Footprint (WF) concept, especially in Industrial Symbiosis (IS). IS creates links between different industries to reduce resource consumption. This article analyses the environmental, social, and economic sustainability aspects of the WF in an IS system. First, the inventories of these three aspects were carried out simultaneously with the WF inventory. Sustainability indices were presented based on the relative comparison of current WF and sustainably oriented WF (SOWF). SOWF in an IS system is defined as the situation with minimum total WF and is obtained by mathematical programming. The proposed framework was applied to an IS involving three industries in southeastern Iran: steel production, coal concentrate, and power generation. The blue WFs of these industries were calculated as 11.77 m3/ton of steel, 0.87 m3/ton of coal, and 8.31 m3/MWh of power. The sustainability indices revealed that the steel industry exhibited a more favorable environmental and social performance than other industries, while the power generation was economically superior with a higher cost ratio of current WF to SOWF. Subsequently, several sustainability-enhancing solutions were evaluated based on environmental, economic, and social criteria. Among these, solar energy usage, wastewater reuse, and recycling in iron ore processing emerged as effective strategies to enhance overall sustainability by reducing WFs and improving social criteria. Ultimately, the wastewater reuse option was given the highest priority.

Chabahar Port: A Geopolitical Need Or, Economic Compulsion for India

In the year 2024, in the case of Chabahar port in Iran, two important events took place; first, the visit of Mr. S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister to Tehran in January 2024 and second, one is the terror attack on Chabahar port by Jaish-al-Ahad on 3 April 2024. Both these developments are pole apart as far as the development of Chabahar port and the realisation of The International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) is concerned. The first one talks about development, hope, connectivity, and the future of trade through a new corridor and the second one is about the existing security challenges in the region which has put this project on a slow grind since the year 2002. As we are aware the International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) is a multi-modal transportation network connecting India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. It aims to facilitate the movement of goods and reduce transportation costs by providing an alternative route to traditional sea routes. The Chabahar Port, located in southeastern Iran, plays a crucial role in the INSTC as a key maritime gateway.

Species Composition and Spatial Distribution of Medically Important Scorpions in the Northern Part of Kerman Province, Iran.

Kerman Province is one of the endemic foci of scorpionism in southeastern Iran. Totally 17 species are reported for Kerman Province fauna. The current study seeks to determine the fauna of medically important scorpions in northern parts of this province. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to March 2021. The specimens were captured from different areas, by rock-rolling during day and using Ultraviolet light at night. The specimens were preserved in ethanol (80%) and then identified using reliable identification keys for scorpions. Totally, 499 specimens were captured from eight cities in northern Kerman. In total, 11 species belonging to three families were identified. Buthacus sp. is reported for the first time from Kerman Province. Buthacus sp., Hottentotta cf. juliae, and Hottentotta cf. schach, were the lowest in frequency of occurrence, against Mesobuthus navidpouri as the highest frequency. The results of this study are useful for the preparation of regional or monovalent antivenom for the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute. Additionally, the obtained data are useful for the effective planning of scorpion control programs in the northern parts of Kerman Province, Iran.

Reinfection of farm dogs following praziquantel treatment in an endemic region of cystic echinococcosis in southeastern Iran.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) as a prevalent tapeworm infection of human and herbivorous animals worldwide, is caused by accidental ingestion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs excreted from infected dogs. CE is endemic in the Middle East and North Africa, and is considered as an important parasitic zoonosis in Iran. It is transmitted between dogs as the primary definitive host and different livestock species as the intermediate hosts. One of the most important measures for CE control is dog deworming with praziquantel. Due to the frequent reinfection of dogs, intensive deworming campaigns are critical for breaking CE transmission. Dog reinfection rate could be used as an indicator of the intensity of local CE transmission in endemic areas. However, our knowledge on the extent of reinfection in the endemic regions is poor. The purpose of the present study was to determine E. granulosus reinfection rate after praziquantel administration in a population of owned dogs in Kerman, Iran. A cohort of 150 owned dogs was recruited, with stool samples collected before praziquantel administration as a single oral dose of 5 mg/kg. The re-samplings of the owned dogs were performed at 2, 5 and 12 months following initial praziquantel administration. Stool samples were examined microscopically using Willis flotation method. Genomic DNA was extracted, and E. granulosus sensu lato-specific primers were used to PCR-amplify a 133-bp fragment of a repeat unit of the parasite genome. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method to calculate cumulative survival rates, which is used here to capture reinfection dynamics, and monthly incidence of infection, capturing also the spatial distribution of disease risk. Results of survival analysis showed 8, 12 and 17% total reinfection rates in 2, 5 and 12 months following initial praziquantel administration, respectively, indicating that 92, 88 and 83% of the dogs had no detectable infection in that same time periods. The monthly incidence of reinfection in total owned dog population was estimated at 1.5% (95% CI 1.0-2.1). The results showed that the prevalence of echinococcosis in owned dogs, using copro-PCR assay was 42.6%. However, using conventional microscopy, 8% of fecal samples were positive for taeniid eggs. Our results suggest that regular treatment of the dog population with praziquantel every 60 days is ideal, however the frequency of dog dosing faces major logistics and cost challenges, threatening the sustainability of control programs. Understanding the nature and extent of dog reinfection in the endemic areas is essential for successful implementation of control programs and understanding patterns of CE transmission.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) post-COVID-19 in Iran: clinical profile, cardiac features, and outcomes

BackgroundIn April 2020, an association between multisystem inflammatory syndromes (MIS-C) was observed in children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2). Most patients had heart involvement alone, and most patients had pericardial effusion. This study aimed to express and emphasize cardiac involvement in pediatric patients with respiratory symptoms who were diagnosed with COVID-19.MethodsThis study was conducted in July 2021 in Kerman province, Southeastern Iran, during a notable surge in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. The study included 904 pediatric patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Data collection involved a comprehensive assessment of clinical symptoms and manifestations. Patients with fever lasting more than five days were admitted to the hospital. Echocardiography was utilized for cardiac involvement diagnosis, with 47 patients undergoing this diagnostic procedure.ResultsOf the 904 patients, most of them had high fevers (74%). Fifty-five patients had a fever for more than five days and were hospitalized. Of the 47 patients who underwent echocardiography, 45 (81%) had heart involvement. In 75% of patients, pericardial effusion was the only cardiac involvement. Patients with pericardial effusion were treated with dexamethasone up to 3 mg every 8 h for 72 h.ConclusionsMIS-C has a wide range of clinical symptoms. In cases where the fever is prolonged and there are gastrointestinal symptoms, physicians have clinical suspicion to diagnose this syndrome. Most cases of pericardial effusion are alone and improve with treatment with glucocorticosteroids.

Molecular identification, risk factor assessment, and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne pathogens in symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle from South-Eastern Iran.

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a substantial threat to cattle globally, exerting adverse impacts on production, health, and economic viability. This study delves into the prevalence and implications of TTBPs in cattle sourced from resource-limited smallholder livestock farms situated in southeastern Iran, proximate to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Blood and tick specimens were systematically collected from a cohort of 230 cattle, comprising 150 asymptomatic and 80 symptomatic individuals. Genomic DNA isolated from blood samples underwent rigorous examination for the presence of key TBPs, including Anaplasma marginale, A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis, A. centrale, Babesia bigemina, and Theileria annulata, utilizing multiple genetic markers. Nucleotide sequence analysis facilitated the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. The study also evaluated various potential risk factors, such as clinical status, gender, age, breed, tick infestation, and management practices, to elucidate their associations with TTBPs. Among the cattle cohort, a staggering 87.8% (202/230) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Prevalence statistics encompassed A. marginale (72.2%), T. annulata (68.3%), A. phagocytophilum/A. platys-like complex (66.1%), A. centrale (16.7%), B. bigemina (10.0%), and A. bovis (6.1%). Remarkably, mixed infections involving two, three, and four pathogens were detected in 23%, 52.1%, and 2.2% of animals, respectively. Notably, all asymptomatic cattle were positive for at least one TBP. Tick infestation was observed in 62.2% (143/230) of cattle, predominantly caused by Hyalomma anatolicum (82.5%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (13.1%), and R. sanguineus sensu lato (4.4%). Risk factors linked to TBPs encompassed tick infestation, older age, and crossbred animals. Clinical presentations among symptomatic cattle encompassed fever, anemia, weight loss, anorexia, jaundice, and enlarged superficial lymph nodes. This study underscores the pivotal role of asymptomatic carriers in the propagation of TTBPs within endemic regions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential for the implementation of molecular diagnostics to unmask subclinical infections, thereby affording the opportunity for targeted interventions aimed at ameliorating the burden of TTBPs in resource-constrained smallholder dairy farms.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Liver Disease in Southeastern Iran.

Recent research has been concentrated on investigating the involvement of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in the progression of liver disorders. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as the effects of toxoplasmosis infection on biological biomarkers such as aspirate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), cholesterol (Chol), and triglyceride (Tg) levels in Sistan, southeast Iran. A case-control study was conducted between December 2021 and September 2022. The study included 225 patients diagnosed with NAFLD as the case group and 225 healthy blood donors as the control group. The controls were selected from the same region and were matched with the patients based on gender and age. We collected serum samples from all patients and utilized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to analyze them for the existence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. A questionnaire and medical records were utilized to gather data on the patient's demographic factors. The prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were 68 (30.2%) in patients with NAFLD, whereas it was 11 (4.88%) in the control group. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in NAFLD patients increased in correlation with age (P < 0.001). The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly greater in the seropositive group compared to the seronegative group (P < 0.001). In addition, the levels of the metabolic markers Chol and Tg were significantly higher in T. gondii seropositive NAFLD patients compared to T. gondii seronegative NAFLD patients. The findings of this study indicate a high seroprevalence of T. gondii in patients with NAFLD. Further studies are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications of this association.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in diabetic patients type 2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in Zabol City, 2017-2018.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is prone to opportunistic infections, including toxoplasmosis, due to an immunodeficiency system. This study aimed to evaluate the serum of people with T2DM to determine the titer of anti-toxoplasma antibodies in patients and compare it with the control group. 720 blood samples have been carried out between October and the end of January 2017 in Sistan, and Baluchestan provinces in southeastern Iran, of these, 360 samples were related to healthy individuals (control), and 360 samples were related to T2DM individuals. The immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods have been used to detect toxoplasmosis. The data were analyzed using SPSS-19, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test to compare statistical parameters. In this cross-sectional study, out of 360 samples of T2DM by ELISA method, 60% samples in diabetic patients and 48.1% in control group were IgG positive (P < 0.05). Nearly 2.5% samples in diabetic patients and 0.3% in control group were IgM positive (P < 0.05). Anti-toxoplasma antibodies including IgG and IgM were higher in diabetic patient in comparison to control group.

Determining the Antibiotic Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Patients Hospitalized in Zahedan, Southeastern Iran

Determining the Antibiotic Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Patients Hospitalized in Zahedan, Southeastern Iran

Projections of meteorological drought severity-duration variations based on CMIP6

This research utilized the outputs from three models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), specifically CanESM5, GFDL-ESM4, and IPSL-CM6A-LR. These models were used under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, along with the SPI and SPEI, to assess the impacts of climate change on drought in Iran. The results indicated that the average annual precipitation will increase under some scenarios and decrease under others in the near future (2022–2050). In the distant future (2051–2100), the average annual precipitation will increase in all states by 8–115 mm. The average minimum and maximum temperature will increase by up to 4.85 ℃ and 4.9 ℃, respectively in all states except for G2S1. The results suggest that severe droughts are anticipated across Iran, with Cluster 5 expected to experience the longest and most severe drought, lasting 6 years with a severity index of 85 according to the SPI index. Climate change is projected to amplify drought severity, particularly in central and eastern Iran. The SPEI analysis confirms that drought conditions will worsen in the future, with southeastern Iran projected to face the most severe drought lasting 20 years. Climate change is expected to extend drought durations and increase severity, posing significant challenges to water management in Iran.

A Truth or a Rumor: Effects of Addictive Substances ‎on Prevention of COVID-19; an Investigation of Homeless Drug Abusers in Southeastern Iran

Background: In a crisis, rumors often get started, and societies use them to cope with ambiguous situations. Southeastern Iran, with its high rate of homeless addicts per population, is a suitable area to examine the accuracy of the rumor about the positive effect of addictive substances on preventing COVID-19. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the abundance of COVID-19 infection among homeless drug abusers in this area. Methods: For each participant, the health experts completed a questionnaire form. For a definite diagnosis of COVID-19, a combined oropharyngeal/nasal sampling method was used in the laboratory under standard polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data was analyzed with SPSS v. 19. The chi-square test was used to compare COVID-19 cases across substance types, abuse methods, and consumption frequencies. Results: In total, 295 homeless drug abusers participated, and positive COVID-19 was recorded for 21(7.1%). Most participants were waste pickers (60.5%), and 3.9% had COVID-19. The statistical analysis ‎showed no significant difference in the number of positive COVID-19 cases between narcotics, stimulants, and both combinations. Our study also did not prove the positive effect of drug abuse methods and the frequency of daily drug abuse on the incidence of this disease. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, unreliable, incorrect, and incomplete information on its prevention spread in societies. It is recommended that health-related rumors be ‎investigated and officials publicly announce the results.‎

A Bronze Age lip-paint from southeastern Iran

A small chlorite vial, discovered among numerous artifacts looted and recovered in the Jiroft region of Kerman province, southeastern Iran, contains a deep red cosmetic preparation that is likely a lip-coloring paint or paste. Through analytical research involving XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM–EDS (scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy), and HPLC–MS (high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) analyses, the mineral components of the reddish substance were identified as hematite, darkened with manganite and braunite, and traces of galena and anglesite, mixed with vegetal waxes and other organic substances. The mixture, thus observed, bears a striking resemblance to the recipes of contemporary lipsticks. We also report the first radiocarbon date ever obtained from a Bronze age cosmetic in the ancient Near East: results place the pigment in the early 2nd millennium BCE, a date compatible with several mentions of the powerful eastern-iranian civilization of Marḫaši in coeval cuneiform texts of Mesopotamia, as well as with its currently emerging archaeological picture.

Low-strength shear zone in the western Makran subduction zone, southeastern Iran: insights from a receiver function analysis

SUMMARY To understand the seismic hazard of a subduction zone, it is necessary to know the geometry, location and mechanical characteristics of the interplate boundary below which an oceanic plate is thrust downward. By considering the azimuthal dependence of converted P-to-S (Ps) amplitudes in receiver functions, we have detected the interplate boundary in the Makran subduction zone, revealing significant seismic anisotropy at the base of the accretionary wedge above the slab before it bends down beneath the Jaz Murian basin. This anisotropic feature aligns with a zone of reduced seismic velocity and a high primary/secondary wave velocity ratio (Vp/Vs), as documented in previous studies. The presence of this low-velocity highly anisotropic layer at the base of the accretionary wedge, likely representing a low-strength shear zone, could possibly explain the unusually wide accretionary wedge in Makran. Additionally, it may impact the location and width of the locked zone along the interplate boundary.

Pine needles as bioindicator and biomagnetic indicator of selected metals in the street dust, a case study from southeastern Iran

Among the different approaches currently being used to evaluate the contamination level of street dust, the magnetic susceptibility of dust and urban tree leaves has received little attention. The key objectives of this study were: (i) to investigate the feasibility of using pine needles as a bioindicator and biomagnetic indicator for estimating the concentration of selected metals in street dust, and (ii) to predict the contamination level of street dust by selected metals using magnetic susceptibility. Street dust and pine tree needle samples were taken from 60 locations in three adjacent cities in Kerman province (Kerman, Rafsanjan, and Sirjan), southeastern Iran. The total concentrations of selected metals, including Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb, and the magnetic susceptibility (χlf and χhf) values of both pine tree needles and street dust samples were determined. Among the three cities studied, samples from Kerman showed the highest magnetic susceptibility and metal concentration values. This could be attributed to the larger size and much higher population density of this city, with more industrial activities and urban traffic than the other two cities investigated. The results also showed that the concentrations of metals in pine needles were strongly correlated (p < 0.01) with those in street dust. The magnetic susceptibility of pine needles and the concentrations of Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Mn in street dust showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.01). A strong and statistically significant correlation (p < 0.01) was also found between magnetic susceptibility and the concentration of metals in pine needles. In conclusion, strong relationships between magnetic properties and metal concentrations of pine needles with those of street dust samples seem to make pine needles a good bioindicator and biomagnetic estimator of the contamination level of metals in street dust.

Survey of Common Infectious Diseases in Urban Foxes (Vulpes spp.) in Southeastern Iran.

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the most common species of wild Canidae and is relatively abundant in Iran. Foxes (Vulpes spp.) transmit many zoonotic diseases, the most important of which are visceral leishmaniasis, rabies, hydatidosis, toxocariasis, and trichinellosis. In this study, visceral leishmaniasis, rabies, ectoparasites, canine gastrointestinal helminths, dermatophytosis, distemper, parvovirus infection, and heartworm infections were evaluated among live-trapped and rescued foxes injured by traffic road accidents referred to the teaching hospital of Kerman, Iran, veterinary faculty. Skin scraping and direct microscopic examination were used to detect ectoparasites and dermatophytosis. Immunochromatography rapid kits were used to detect dirofilariasis, parvovirus infection, and distemper. Necropsy was used to check for gastrointestinal parasites. Rabies and visceral leishmaniosis were screened for with direct fluorescent antibody test and ELISA methods, respectively. Gastrointestinal helminth infections, including Toxocara canis, Taenia taeniaeformis, Dipylidium caninum, Joyeuxiella echinorhyncoids, Toxascaris leonina, Taenia hydatigena, Echinococcus granulosus, Rictolaria spp., Oxynema spp., Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, and Physaloptera spp., were detected. Skin scrapings showed dermatophytosis and various ectoparasites, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis, and Sarcoptes scabiei, in foxes with dermal lesions. Distemper and parvovirus infection (26.66%) were the common viral diseases, and rabies infection rate was quite high (16.66%). Dirofilariasis and leishmaniasis were detected in 10% of the population. This study showed that urban foxes which often cohabit with humans and domestic animals are carriers of many different pathogens. This interaction may facilitate indirect cross-species transmission of zoonotic disease. Periodic health monitoring and multidisciplinary cooperation for the diagnosis, control, and prevention of these zoonoses is highly recommended.

Short-term Safety of Covaxin, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, and AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccines Among Iranian Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Several coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, utilizing different platforms, have successfully obtained emergency clinical use authorization to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Most published data from COVID-19 vaccine trials have frequently observed mild-to-moderate side effects, with varying severity depending on various vaccine types. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of side effects associated with four types of COVID-19 vaccines among vaccinated healthcare workers following the first and second vaccine doses and to identify possible risk factors for COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to March 2022 by administering a questionnaire and conducting direct interviews with healthcare workers in Kerman, southeastern Iran, who had received 2 or more doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Results: Out of 861 individuals enrolled in the study, 38.7% received Sputnik, 32.4% AstraZeneca, 19.6% Covaxin, and 9.3% Sinopharm vaccines. Overall, the most common side effects after the first and second doses included general symptoms, fever and chills, injection site reactions, neurological symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, the frequency of symptoms significantly reduced after the second dose. Conclusions: General symptoms and injection site reactions were significantly more common after receiving the first dose of vaccines compared to the second dose. No severe vaccine side effects were observed in this study. However, further research is required to evaluate the long-term symptoms and safety profiles of COVID-19 vaccines.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Hampers COVID-19: A Controlled Cross-Sectional Study in High-Burden Endemic Areas of Iran.

Emerging infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 can cause pandemics and create a critical risk for humans. In a previous pilot study, we reported that the immunological responses induced bycutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) could decrease the incidence and severity of COVID-19. In this large-scale case-control study, we assessed the possible relationship between mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 in healed CL persons suffering scars compared to cases without CL history. This controlled cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 and December 2022 in the endemic and high-burden areas of CL in southeastern Iran. In the study, 1400 previous CL cases with scars and 1,521,329 subjects who had no previous CL were analyzed. We used R 4.0.2 to analyze the data. Firth's bias reduction approach corresponding to the penalization of likelihood logistic regression by Jeffreys was also employed to influence the variables in the dataset. Also, a Bayesian ordinal logistic regression model was performed to explore the COVID-19 severity in both case and referent groups. The occurrence and severity rate of COVID-19 in CL scar cases are significantly less than in the non-CL control group, while in the CL scar subjects, patients with critical conditions and mortality were not observed. The morbidity (OR = 0.11, CI 0.06-0.20 and P < 0.001) and severity of COVID-19 in previous cases with CL scars were significantly diminished than that in the control group (credible interval - 2.57, - 1.62). The results represented a durable negative relationship between cured CL and COVID-19 incidence and severity. Additional studies seem necessary and should be designed to further validate the true impact and underlying mechanistic action of CL on COVID-19.

Description of the second species of Cingulacarus Elsen (Acari, Mesostigmata, Diplogyniidae), and notes on the genus.

Cingulacarus Elsen is a monotypic genus of Trigynaspida based on C. gangeticus Elsen, collected from the scarabaeid beetle Scarabaeus gangeticus (Castelnau) (Col., Scarabaeidae) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Herein, a second species of the genus, C. kermanensis sp. nov. is described based on female and male specimens collected in southeastern Iran, in association with Oryctes elegans L. (Col., Scarabaeidae). The diagnosis of the genus Cingulacarus is revised, with a discussion of the impact on current generic keys for the family Diplogyniidae, and a proposal to eliminate the current subfamilial classification within that family.

The effect of family-centered education on posttraumatic stress symptoms in mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU.

Premature infant hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is considered a traumatic event for mothers. It is critical to provide instructions and support to couples to help them emotionally adapt and reduce posttraumatic stress. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of family-centered education on posttraumatic stress in mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU. The present study was a quasiexperimental study. The parents of 80 premature infants admitted to the NICU ward of a hospital in southeastern of Iran in 2020 were divided into two groups of 40 intervention and control. The intervention group received five sessions of family-centered program on daily basis with an average of 60 minutes per session; sessions were held in the presence of both couples and for each couple separately. The control group received only training and usual care. Six weeks after intervention, information was collected using the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test, independent t-test, Chi-square test, and covariance analysis. The intervention and control groups' mean posttraumatic stress scores before family-centered care were 49.65 ± 8.73 and 55.45 ± 10.39, respectively. Six weeks after the intervention the score decreased significantly to 32.75 ± 6.05 and 44.82 ± 6.53. Also, the mean score changes in the intervention group (-16.90 ± 7.69) were significantly higher than those in the control group (-10.63 ± 6.12). Family-centered education has a positive effect on reducing the severity of posttraumatic stress in mothers of premature infants admitted to NICU.