Spatial distribution of cutaneous anthrax in western Iran from 2009 to 2016: Geographic information system mapping for predicting risk of anthrax outbreaks

To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases and their aggravating factors are essential in all public health. This study attempts to use geographic information system (GIS) to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax. Methods: Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016. Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up, pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern. Results: Most cases were reported in females (57 cases, 54.80 %), and the lower body limbs were most affected (63 cases, 60.57%). The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan, Saqez and Divandareh, with more concentration in the central parts of the province, rather than borderline areas. The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj (57.74%) with a potential susceptible area of 1 729.12 km

Serum procalcitonin level as a biomarker for the differential diagnosis between infectious and non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome: a prospective case-control study

Background and Aim: Considering the importance of sepsis and its complications in the mortality of the patients admitted to different parts of hospital and the importance of early diagnosis and timely and appropriate treatment in the patients' survival, we investigated the value of procalcitonin serum level for the differential diagnosis between infectious and non-infectious SIRS in the patients referring to Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj

Material andmethods: In this descriptive analytical [case-control] study, we measured procalcitonin level in SIRS positive patients who had been referring to Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj.After obtaing the results of the lab.tests the patients were divided into two groups of infectious SIRS [case group] and non-infectious [control group] based on the final diagnosis made by our infectious diseases specialist. Patients withhistory of antibiotic intake within the last 48 hours, mechanical trauma, heat stroke, recent surgery, cancer and severe burn were excluded from the study. Each group consisted of 30 patients. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by independent T-test to compare the quantitative data between the two groups. We also used Pearson correlation test to investigate the relationship between procalcitonin serum level and variables related to vital signs and blood markers. P<0.05 was considered significant

Results: Mean procalcitonin serum level in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the patients with higher respiratory rate and higher WBC counts had significant increase in procalcitonin serum level. Results of this study showed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of procalcitonin test at the threshold of 0.52 ng / ml were 70 percent, 94 percent and 81.7 percent, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values were 75.7 percent and 91.3 percent, respectively

Conclusion: According to the results, procalcitonin level had a significant sensitivity and specificity in the differential diagnosis between infectious and non-infectious SIRS and can be considered as a diagnostic test along with other clinical and paraclinical criteria in the early stages of these disorders. This can be helpful in making early diagnosis and timely administration of medications

[Quality of life in 15-64 years old people in Kurdistan province, western part of Iran]

Quality of life is one of the important factors in evaluating health problems in different societies. In this descriptive-analytic study 700 individuals aged 15 to 64, were selected through the random sampling method in Kurdistan, western part of Iran, in 2007 and their quality of life was evaluated by Euro His questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using independent t, ANOVA, Pearson correlation and multi-variable regression tests. In this study, quality of life in men was significantly better than women [P=0.001], and in rural regions was better than urban regions [P=0.01]. People with more exercise activities had better quality of life [P=0.002], while the smokers [P<0.05] and also the elder people had worse quality of life [P<0.001, r= -0.197]; the heavier [P=0.01, r=0.095] and the taller ones had better quality of life [P<0.001, r=0.193]. Uneducated people had lower quality of life [P<0.001, F=13.246], while more income was leading to higher quality of life [P<0.001, F=13.814]. Between adults of Kurdistan, western part of Iran, quality of life was worse significantly in women, elder people, people with lack of exercise and with smoking habit

[Report of a case: Kimura disease]

Kimura is a rare disease that its etiology is not defined exactly. Immunologic and allergic responses are the probable cause of disease. Kimura is most often reported mostly in Asian men. Kimura is presented by subcutaneous nodule or multiple nodules in head and neck region. This Disease is benign. The Kimura disease is rare and until 1994 about 120 were reported. In our literature research one documented case was reported in Iran. Treatment of disease include surgery, corticosteroid and cyclosporine. The presented case was a 36 years old man with right parotid gland and submentum lymph nodes enlargement. Excision of mass was done and Kimura was documented by pathological examination. Recurrence of disease was happened and treatment was done by cyclosporine, prednisolon and cetirizine. Kimura is a very rare disease that may be mistaken with malignancy. Therapy includes surgical excision and medical treatment. Correct diagnosis of disease can prevent radical surgery

Neurobrucellosis: report of a case with CVA manifestation

Although neurological symptoms in brucellosis are frequent, central nervous system [CNS] involvement is uncommon. A 42-year-old man was admitted with an episode of faint without loss of consciousness, right hemi paresis, diplopia and headache lasting for four days. The neurological examination revealed left hemi paresis. Limitation of gazing in left eye in lateral view was seen [partial paresis of 6[th] cranial nerve]. The results of laboratory examinations show positive Wright and Coombs Wright in blood and C.S.F. In the brain CT scan hydrocephaly and in magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] some brain atrophy, few high signal foci in the deep with mater had been detected. Treatment included concurrent administration of three drugs: doxycycline, rifampicin and co-trimoxazole. This patient fully recovered. We suggest that Neurobrucellosis [NB] should always be sought in young patients with ischemic stroke, especially if they do not have any additional risk factors for stroke and live in an endemic area for brucellosis, even if they do not have other systemic signs of brucellosis