Southeastern Iran Research Articles

Long-term perspectives on land-use changes and air pollution policies in Iran: A comparative analysis of regional and global patterns in atmospheric PM2.5.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is a major environmental challenge across the Middle East, including Iran. However, a substantial lack of knowledge exists regarding the linkage between aerosol trends, specific compounds, and their interrelation with emissions, mitigation strategies, and land changes. This research comprehensively evaluates the spatiotemporal trends of PM2.5 and its main precursors (SO2 and BC) concentrations in relation to LULC (Land-Use and Land-Cover) changes and mitigation policies in Iran during 1980-2023. Surface PM2.5 concentrations were estimated using five monthly MERRA-2 simulation datasets, including sea salt2.5, dust2.5, BC, OC, and SO4. The Evaluation of MERRA-2 PM2.5 against ground-based measurements confirmed that the MERRA-2 reanalysis data is ideal for monitoring PM2.5 patterns in Iran. Our trend analysis showed that dust dominates high PM2.5 concentrations in southwestern and southeastern Iran during summer, while anthropogenic aerosols (SO2 and BC) are the most significant contributors to PM2.5 in urban areas like Tehran in winter. Overall, a significant rise in aerosol occurred over Iran during 1980-2023, which reversed to a decreasing trend in PM2.5, BC and SO2 around 2006-2010. At the regional scale, aerosols variations were influenced by land-use changes, while urban and agricultural LULC changes being the primary contributors in dust-dominant regions, accounting for 38.1% and 26.4% of the variation, respectively. Our findings indicate that, although land-use changes initially influenced air pollution trends, recent clean-air policies have been essential in reducing emissions across major urban centers. Additionally, these trends in Iran align with or diverge from global patterns, reflecting the rise in industrial emissions across South Asia and contrasting with policy-driven decreases in developed regions such as Europe and North America, highlighting the urgent need for effective policies and land management to mitigate urban air pollution from diverse aerosol sources.

Presence of the Anopheles culicifacies complex species A in southeast Iran

BackgroundThe Anopheles culicifacies complex is one of the most important malaria vectors in Southeast Asia and Southeastern Iran. Although the sibling species within this complex are morphologically indistinguishable, they differ significantly in their disease transmission potential, blood-feeding behaviour, and other biological traits. Cytogenetic and chromosomal studies have identified five sibling species within this complex: A, B, C, D, and E. Understanding the species composition and distribution of this complex is crucial for malaria control strategies.ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the sibling species of the An. culicifacies complex in Qaleh Ganj County, Kerman Province, Southeastern Iran. Specifically, the study sought to determine the presence of species A, which is known to be a primary vector of malaria in the region.MethodsWe employed allele-specific PCR and sequencing PCR techniques to identify the sibling species. DNA was extracted from mosquito specimens, and the D3 region of the 28S rDNA gene and a segment of the COII gene from the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) were targeted for amplification and sequencing.ResultsData analysis revealed a positive correlation between An. culicifacies s.l. specimens and altitude, with most specimens collected from mountainous areas. Both allele-specific PCR and sequencing PCR confirmed the presence of species A in the study areas of Kerman Province.ConclusionsGiven that species A is a primary malaria vector, the findings of this study provide valuable insights for guiding malaria control strategies in Southeastern Iran. Further studies are recommended to assess the vector competence and ecological dynamics of other species within the An. culicifacies complex in the region.

Identification and Characterization of Acanthamoeba from Contact Lens Care Solutions and Hospital Environments in the Ophthalmology Wards and Operating Rooms in Southeastern Iran.

Different Acanthamoeba species are among the most ubiquitous organisms causing serious diseases in humans including central nervous system (CNS) and eye infections. Contact lenses, lens care solutions and the hospital environments particularly the indoor and outdoor environments of ophthalmology wards where people are present with different types of eye diseases, are the potential sources of human infection. The purpose of the present study was the molecular investigation of free-living amoebae in the used contact lenses, lens care solutions and hospital samples from the ophthalmology wards and operating rooms in a referral hospital in southeastern Iran. Samples were collected from the lens care solutions, used contact lenses, and from indoor and outdoor environments of the ophthalmology ward and operating room of a major referral hospital in Kerman, Southeastern Iran. The samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA) in 28-30oC and microscopically studied. Molecular study including PCR-sequencing and phylogenetic analysis on partial 18S rDNA were performed on positive culture samples. In total 70 samples were collected from the used contact lenses and lens care solutions, as well as the hospital environment of which 11.4% (8 out of 70) were found positive using NNA culture. Two out of 40 samples (5.0%) from the used contact lenses and the care solutions were found positive for the presence of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype. Acanthamoeba cysts were identified in two out of 22 dust samples (9.1%) collected from the ophthalmology ward and operating rooms. Protacanthamoeba bohemica was found in the soil samples from outdoor environment of the ophthalmology ward. This study identified Acanthamoeba species in contact lenses and in indoor environmental samples from the ophthalmology ward. T4 genotype was found on the contact lenses examined in this study. In the dust sampled from within the ophthalmology ward Acanthamoeba sp. was identified.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in semen of breeding dogs from southeastern Iran.

Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan, is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an important public health and reproductive disease. T. gondii could cause significant damage in breeding kennels due to abortion and other reproductive disorders. This study investigates the molecular presence of T. gondii in semen samples from all male breeding dogs in a kennel with complaints of reproductive disorders, in which a modified agglutination test was used for screening toxoplasmosis. A total of 36 purebred male dogs (31% seropositive) were selected. Semen samples were collected and tested for T. gondii infection using a highly sensitive REP-based nested PCR assay. T. gondii was detected in 8.33% (3 out of 36) of the semen samples. One of the three positive samples also exhibited orchitis with significant sperm abnormalities, including reduced motility and tail defects. The present study showed nested PCR could be a reliable detection method for T. gondii in semen samples. There was no relation between T. gondii detection in semen and reproductive disorders. Further studies are necessary to confirm the sexual transmission of this parasite through semen, which could be important in breeding kennels.

The Severity of Disease and Hospital Length of Stay for the First and Second Admission of COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study from Southeastern Iran

Background: This study aimed to investigate the severity of disease and length of hospital stay for COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital in southeastern Iran. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran. Data were collected from patients who visited Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman more than twice during the COVID-19 epidemic from the end of February 2020 to March 21, 2021. We conducted two key analyses: 1. Mixed effect logistic regression was used to check the relationship between the variables and COVID-19 severity. 2. Mixed effect linear regression was used to check the relationship between the variables and the length of stay in the hospital. Results: The findings indicated that the most important risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 were heart diseases (OR=1.67,95%CI:1.20-2.30), increasing age (OR=2.23 for age>54, 95%CI:1.70- 2.90), male gender (OR=1.47,95%CI:1.10-1.96), respiratory diseases other than asthma, and frequency of admission (OR=1.60,95%CI:1.20-2.15). All patients who underwent readmission experienced a shorter duration of hospitalization during their subsequent admission (OR=0.94,95%CI:0.91,0.96) and had a higher mortality rate (30% within 14 days, 26.6% between 14-90 days). Patients readmitted at intervals of 14-90 days and greater than 90 days exhibited lower disease severity compared to those readmitted within the 0-14 day period. Conclusion: Examining readmissions, the severity of COVID-19, and the length of hospital stay in affected patients are important factors for planning and allocating resources for COVID-19 management and treatment. These factors can help policymakers develop effective clinical guidelines for hospitalization or outpatient treatment of COVID-19 patients and contribute to reducing the burden of disease in the community.

Social, academic, and emotional self-efficacies in adolescent girls and their determinants: a cross sectional study.

To examine the levels of social, academic, and emotional self-efficacy in school-aged girls and to identify the factors that contribute to these self-efficacies. This study included 246 girls in Sistan and Baluchistan, located in southeastern Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 246 teenagers between the ages of 11 and 18 and the questionnaire consisted of a demographic form, the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C), the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). The mean scores for social, academic, and emotional self-efficacies were found to be 27.24±5.67, 30.52±6.47, and 22.29±6.36, respectively. All categories of self-efficacy had mean scores that were higher than the questionnaire midpoint. Furthermore, for every type of self-efficacy, the study identified significant predictors. To be more precise, social self-efficacy was significantly predicted by anxiety, depression, and education level (R2=13.7 %, p<0.001). Additionally, anxiety and age were significant predictors of academic self-efficacy (R2=4.9 %, p=0.002). Lastly, anxiety and education level were significant predictors of emotional self-efficacy (R2=9.2 %, p<0.001). The results suggest that focusing on reducing depression and anxiety levels could potentially have a positive impact on various aspects of self-efficacy.

Delineation of geochemical anomalies through empirical cumulative distribution function for mineral exploration

In this paper, a statistical outlier detection technique based on empirical cumulative distribution functions (ECOD) is applied to a multivariate geochemical dataset from southeastern Iran, which is known for its porphyry and vein-type copper mineral occurrences. The ECOD method assumes that outlier samples are situated in both the left and right tails of the cumulative distribution functions, and it determines whether the outliers are located in the right or left tails using the concept of skewness. Anomaly maps produced by the ECOD method are compared with those generated by the local outlier factor (LOF) method. Both ECOD and LOF are applied to two subsets, including 4 and 12 trace elements. The anomaly maps are evaluated by comparing the number of delineated known mineral deposits and using ROC curves. The result revealed that LOF was outperformed by ECOD in the delineation of known Cu mineralization and in the identification of zones containing mineralized samples collected during the anomaly checking stage. The ECOD anomaly map is also compared with results from the k-means clustering method, and the superiority of ECOD over k-means clustering is demonstrated. The implementation of ECOD on clr-transformed multivariate geochemical data shows promise but assumes statistical independence among features, often unmet in geochemical exploration. To address this, we transformed clr data into new principal and independent feature spaces using principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA), enhancing anomaly detection efficiency. ECOD_ICA outperformed ECOD_PCA, successfully classifying all mineralized samples and 15 of 18 Cu mineral occurrences in the highest score class (Q4), as confirmed by ROC analysis. However, the reliance of the ECOD method on univariate tail probabilities limits its ability to detect multivariate anomalies arising from complex inter-element relationships. Strong correlations in geochemical datasets can lead to false positives, necessitating dimension reduction techniques. While PCA and ICA help manage these correlations, they may obscure meaningful signals. The ECOD outlier detection method is also sensitive to the skewness of the dimensions, so a careful feature selection stage is recommended before applying it. The method is less sensitive to the number of dimensions, which enhances its robustness. Additionally, the absence of hyperparameter tuning makes ECOD a reliable and efficient outlier detection method.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Southeastern Iran: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of preventable premature infant vision loss. Many studies have reported different risk factors depending on the region. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of ROP and associated risk factors in a referral eye hospital in southeastern Iran. This was a retrospective cohort study of preterm infants with birth weight (BW)≤2000 g or gestational age (GA)≤34 weeks and infants with GA between 34-37 weeks or GA<37 weeks and BW>2000 g referred by their pediatricians to our center from March 2022 until March 2023. Totally, 920 infants met the inclusion criteria for the study. The incidence of ROP and ROP requiring treatment was 20.2% and 3.58% respectively. Results of logistic regression analysis showed higher GA and BW as protective factors against ROP occurrence. History of blood transfusion and phototherapy increased ROP development. Lower GA, lower BW, history of blood transfusion, and phototherapy were associated with ROP development. Phototherapy decreased the need for treatment among ROP patients.

Experiences and Perspectives of Female Employees Regarding Work-Family Balance Following Maternity Leave: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Southeastern Iran.

Work-family balance has emerged as one of the influencing factors for the physical and mental health of working mothers and their children. The present study aimed to understand the experiences and perspectives of working mothers on maternity leave and return to work after childbirth. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in three major cities in southeastern Iran. Working mothers who had at least one live birth during the 3 years prior to the survey, aged between 18 and 49 years, and living with their husbands were enrolled using a consecutive sampling method. The sampling framework consisted of all government workplaces that had at least 30 female employees. Using a validated anonymous questionnaire consisting of demographic and attitude variables, we assessed the working mothers' experiences and perspectives regarding the quantity and nature of the last maternity leave and how supportive their workplace was. Descriptive statistics with frequencies and percentages were used. To compare categorical variables between groups, the Chi-square test was used. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. A total of 900 female employees were invited to participate in the study, and finally, 741 valid questionnaires were analyzed. More than 21% of them reported that the office had changed their position or type of work after returning to work. Women with higher position jobs reported a higher husband's support for baby care (P = 0.03). Almost 51% of mothers agreed their workplace allowed them to use breastfeeding breaks, which was less evident in nurses (P = 0.001). Nearly 86% of them stated that mothering duties are much more important than job-related responsibilities. Our study identified areas of consideration for investing in family-friendly workplace policies in Iran.

Estimating the impact of the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment outcomes in Southeastern City in Iran: an interrupted time series analysis of the preceding 10 years of ecological data

BackgroundWith shared modes of transmission and clinical symptoms the convergence of COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB) might lead to reduced diagnosis and detection of TB, which is challenging for healthcare systems already strained by the pandemic's reach.MethodsThis ecological study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB surveillance over the first 2 years of the pandemic (March 2020 to February 2022) in southeastern Iran. Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis with the quasi-Poisson regression models was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of TB diagnosis and treatment outcome counts, stratified by gender, case definition, involvement type, and treatment outcomes.ResultsThe ITS analyses showed a significant decrease in TB total cases (RR: 0.622 [95% CI: 0.487, 0.793], P < 0.001), new cases (RR: 0.632 [95% CI: 0.493, 0.810], P < 0.001) and recurrent cases (RR: 0.491 [95% CI: 0.247, 0.974], P < 0.001). In addition, recovery and treatment failure counts also showed significant decreases (RR: 0.751 [95% CI: 0.566, 0.996], P = 0.05; RR: 0.201 [95% CI: 0.054, 0.738], P = 0.02). Moreover, significant decreases are observed in both genders and involvement types (pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB). No significant change was observed for absent to treatment and death counts.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted TB diagnosis and treatments. Concerns are risen about the progress achieved in TB control.

Linking Future Hydroclimatological Changes with Past Climatic Conditions in Southeastern Iran: Insights from Models and Observations

Linking Future Hydroclimatological Changes with Past Climatic Conditions in Southeastern Iran: Insights from Models and Observations

Thelazia leesei Railliet & Henry, 1910 (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) of dromedary camel Camelus dromedarius: further morphological description, molecular characterization, and epidemiology in Iran

BackgroundIn camels, thelaziosis is mainly caused by Thelazia leesei Railliet & Henry, 1910, a little-known eyeworm species. Given the paucity of scientific data, this study aimed to provide new insights into the morphology, molecular characterization, and phylogenetic relationship of T. leesei and its occurrence in camels from Iran, where animals suffer from the high burden of eyeworms.MethodsFrom December 2020 to November 2022, slaughtered camels (n = 400) of different sex and age groups were examined in Sistan-va-Baluchestan province in Southeast Iran’s local abattoirs. Adult eyeworms were fixed and stored for morphological identification by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products corresponding to the partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) of eyeworms were Sanger sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically.ResultsA total of 118 (29.5%) camels from all five counties examined were infected with eyeworms, with an abundance of 0.9 and a mean intensity of 3.2 (i.e., up to 18 worms from a single animal). The infection rate was higher in camels older than 4 years of age (P = 0.01901). Lachrymation was associated with infection in animals (P < 0.00001). The morphology of our specimens resembled that of T. leesei, with the exception of the position of the nerve ring and esophagus length. Genetic analysis showed that the cox1 partial sequences of our T. leesei specimens had genetic distances of 8.8% to 13.5% compared with other Thelazia species.ConclusionsOn the basis of the morphometrics and morphological characteristics, we identified our specimens as T. leesei. In the phylogenetic tree, T. leesei herein isolated formed a monophyletic group together with its congeners, and T. leesei formed a sister clade to T. lacrymalis. In addition, we demonstrated the epidemiology of the infestation of T. leesei in camels in the endemic areas of southeastern Iran. The data presented are crucial for better understanding the pathogenic role of T. leesei and developing effective treatment strategies. In particular, studies on the intermediate host(s) of T. leesei in these regions will support effective control strategies for this parasitosis.Graphical

Effects of food waste mulch on the physicochemical quality and fungal community diversities of desert soil in Southeast Iran.

In semi-arid and arid regions, mulching with various materials is one of the highly significant ways to keep soil surface coverage. This approach helps efficiently reduce drought stress and soil erosion, thus preserving soil composition and ecosystem. The research aimed to pinpoint the physicochemical alterations and fungal diversity brought on by food waste mulch (FWM) in the desert soil. An experimental field assessment was conducted from early April (spring) to late August (summer) 2021 in the soil of the Jupar desert, the main watershed of the Central Plateau, southeastern Iran. The mulch was made from a combination of clay (70%), food waste (15%), and water and sprayed in 3 plots on the Jupar desert soil surface as a case group. Moreover, 3 plots of the Jupar desert soil and clay were selected as a non-mulch-controlled surface (control groups). The physicochemical changes were studied in all groups including FWM, desert soil, and clay. Besides, the samples were cultured and checked daily to determine the growth of fungal colonies. All fungal isolates were characterized to the species level by phenotypical and molecular methods. Sequence analysis of the ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2 regions was done. The statistical findings displayed that the physical and chemical characteristics of FWM (case group) were significantly different compared to clay and soil samples (control groups) (P<0.05). Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of the fungal consortium showed that the most frequent filamentous and yeast fungi belonged to the Alternaria and Naganishia genera, respectively. Identified fungi are classified as growth-inducing and anti-pest fungi. This study showed that adding FWM of organic matter can cause partial variety in soil fungal diversity and stabilize the desert soil due to enriching the organic matter in eroding soils.

Facilitators of medication adherence in patients with hypertension: a qualitative study.

Hypertension has been identified as the most important risk factor for disability and premature death worldwide. This study aimed to explain the factors that facilitate medication adherence from the perspective of patients with hypertension in southeastern Iran. This qualitative study used conventional content analysis and purposive sampling methods to achieve data saturation, involving 25 participants. Facilitating factors were categorized into two main categories: individual and family factors and organizational support. Individual factors included motivational fears, disease acceptance, healthy lifestyle, disease monitoring, and follow-up. Family factors included family support, while organizational support included governmental support to provide inexpensive medicines, comprehensive healthcare team support, health insurance access, and media training. These factors were identified as essential facilitators that significantly influence appropriate adherence to hypertensive drugs. This study revealed that various factors affected medication adherence in these patients, and efforts should be made to improve hypertension treatment and increase medication adherence. Measures taken to control hypertension are cost-effective to reduce the burden associated with this disease. The findings of this study can be valuable in formulating policies for the treatment and care of hypertension.

Occurrence and assemblage distribution of Giardia Duodenalis in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in southeastern Iran (2019–2022)

BackgroundThe ubiquitous protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis is a major contributor to the global burden of diarrhoea, particularly in young children living in poor-resource regions. Although rarely mortal, giardiasis is associated with growth retardation and cognitive impairment in early childhood. Here we investigate the epidemiology of human giardiasis in Iranshahr (south-eastern Iran), a region where this information was previously lacking.MethodsStool samples were collected from 17,455 outpatients and inpatients attended at three major hospital settings during April 2020 and March 2022. Microscopy was used as a screening method for the presence of Giardia cysts, and the identification of G. duodenalis assemblages was carried out using PCR and Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe overall prevalence of giardiasis was 1.87 (326/17,455; 95% CI: 1.7–2.1). Being female was positively associated with higher odds of giardiasis (p = 0.014). Individuals without diarrhoea were less likely to have giardiasis (p = 0.022). Individuals attending the Iran Hospital were more likely to harbour G. duodenalis infections compared to those attending at the Khatam Hospital and the Clinical Reference Laboratory (p = 0.001). Our sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (56.5%, 13/23), B (39.1%, 9/23), and A + B (4.4%, 1/23). No association was observed between the occurrence of a given assemblage and the occurrence of diarhroea.ConclusionsGiardia infections were found at relatively low prevalence rates in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals seeking medical attention. Being female, having diarrhoea, and being sampled during 2020–21 were predictors of giardiasis. Although limited, our molecular data indicate that some Giardia infections may be zoonotic in nature. These data should be corroborated and expanded in future epidemiological studies targeting simultaneously human, animal, and environmental (water) samples to improve our understanding of the epidemiology of giardiasis in Iran.

Economic burden of cardiovascular diseases among elderly patients in Iran: a case from a developing country

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, particularly among the aging population. This study aims to evaluate the economic burden of CVDs among Iranians aged 60 years and older.MethodsA cost-of-illness study was conducted using a prevalence-based approach from a societal perspective. Cost analysis employed the bottom-up micro-costing method to assess direct medical and non-medical costs, while indirect costs were calculated using the human capital approach. Data were sourced from medical records of individuals aged 60 and older with CVDs registered in the hospital information systems of public and private hospitals in southeastern Iran. Additionally, structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 160 caregivers or relatives serving as companions of elderly patients, using a structured questionnaire to gather data on healthcare utilization. Sensitivity analyses were performed, along with projections of the future economic burden of CVDs.ResultsThe annual total cost of CVDs among people aged 60 years and above in Iran was estimated at US$ 1,885,091,171.7 (about 1.88 billion), equivalent to 1.27% of the Iran’s GDP in 2021. Direct medical costs accounted for 90.62% of the total, with 54.72% attributed to ambulatory care. The average cost of CVDs per patient was US$ 446.2. The results of two-way sensitivity analysis provided an estimated cost range between US$ 1.2 billion and US$ 2.7 billion. By 2030, the total cost of CVDs is projected to reach US$ 21 billion.ConclusionsThe elderly population with CVDs imposes a growing economic burden on Iran’s healthcare system and society. This underscores the urgent need for effective and cost-effective interventions to prevent and manage CVDs in Iran.

An overview of the pottery from Sistan in the Late Iron Age/Achaemenid period

The paper analyses some archaeological issues related to pottery production in Sistan —between south-eastern Iran and south-western Afghanistan— in the Late Iron Age/Achaemenid period. Hallmarks of cultural development at the local level and interactions with neighbouring areas are overviewed in the light of published pottery assemblages from the region.

Comparing Lecture and E-mail Training for Ergonomic Posture Correction in Office Workers

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), commonly arising from poor posture, are among the most prevalent workplace health issues. Objectives: This intervention study aims to compare the effects of two training approaches, lecture and E-mail, on posture correction among bank employees in southeastern Iran. Methods: The study was conducted in Zahedan, Iran, with 120 bank employees from eleven branches. Posture was assessed using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. The intervention included two training methods (lecture and E-mail) alongside a control group that received no training. Results: Before the intervention, the mean RULA scores for the lecture, E-mail, and control groups were 4.1 ± 1.6, 4.15 ± 1.14, and 4.19 ± 1.4, respectively (P = 0.39). Post-intervention, the RULA scores dropped to 2.92 ± 0.43 for the lecture group, 2.87 ± 0.56 for the E-mail group, and 3.97 ± 1.6 for the control group (P = 0.028). Although there was no significant difference (P = 0.6) between the lecture and E-mail groups, both training methods showed a statistically significant improvement over the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Both lecture and E-mail training methods effectively improved posture among participants. However, lectures might be more practical in Iran, where E-mail use is less frequent and employees may not check their E-mails regularly.

The effectiveness of an intervention using LAWE (loveliness and well-being of employees) app to improve the employee's mental well-being.

Organizations are increasingly seeking comprehensive approaches to improve employee mental well-being (EMW). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions delivered through the "Loveliness and Well-being of Employees" (LAWE) app, focusing on five key predictors: "Keep Learning," "Connect," "Take Notice," "Be Active," and "Given". A quasi-experimental intervention was conducted with 110 participants (53 in the intervention group and 57 in the non-intervention group) from the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Southeastern Iran. Participants were recruited from a census of all employees at four schools. The intervention involved an Android-based app designed to enhance EMW through pre-designed tasks. Six standard tools were used to assess EMW and its predictors. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28, employing Independent Samples T-Test, paired-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Spearman correlation coefficient and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The intervention group showed a significant increase in mean EMW score, from 52.26±8.61 to 60.01±6.95 (P<0.01). Based on ANCOVA analysis, the post-intervention mean score was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group by 0.219 points (P<0.01). The mean score of all predictors, except "Take Notice" (P=0.17), also significantly improved in the intervention group. Additionally, post-intervention comparison between the two groups revealed significant differences in mean EMW score (P<0.01), as well as in the mean scores for "Keep Learning" (P<0.05), "Given" (P<0.01), and "Connect" (P<0.01). The LAWE app provides a desirable and comprehensive platform for improving the EMW in organizations. It significantly improves most of the key predictors of EMW, making it a valuable resource for organizations aiming to promote employee well-being.

Canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica in southeastern Iran: a case series study

Dogs are the primary reservoirs of Leishmania infantum (L. infantum), but Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) infection is also possible in dogs and can transmitted to humans. The southeast of Iran experiences a high prevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CanL), and veterinarians frequently encounter symptomatic cases. Therefore, from December 2017 to November 2022, the present case series was designed to assess the prevalence of CanL in owned dogs with cutaneous manifestations resembling CanL. A total of 500 owned dogs with dermal lesions from two endemic cities, Zabol and Kerman, were enrolled. Impression smears from skin lesions and popliteal lymph nodes were prepared from all cases, whereas blood samples were gathered from amastigote-positive dogs for serological and molecular surveys. Commercial ELISA was done on sera samples, and two-step nested PCR was used on extracted DNA to amplify variable fragments of the Leishmania species’ kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). Leishman bodies were microscopically detected in 7.2% (36/500) of dermal smears. Of the 360 owned dogs from Zabol, 2 have been diagnosed with L. tropica, and 10 have been diagnosed with L. infantum. Out of 140 owned dogs from Kerman, 8 were identified with L. tropica infection, and 16 were infected with L. infantum. Molecular results revealed the presence of 750 full dual-band bases related to the L. tropica species in 10/36 (27.7%) cases, which showed a considerable increase in canine cutaneous leishmaniosis compared with previous studies in southeastern Iran. The noticeable prevalence of L. tropica in owned dogs indicated that the dog’s role in cutaneous leishmaniosis should be re-evaluated as a possible animal reservoir in endemic areas.