cross-sectional study of the seroprevalence and flock-level factors associated with ovine and caprine brucellosis in southeastern Iran

This cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate seroprevalence and to identify flock-level factors associated with seropositivity to brucellosis in small ruminants in Kerman province, southeastern Iran. In October-November 2011, serum samples were randomly collected from 1767 sheep and 1233 goats, older than 18 months, from 300 flocks. The sera were initially screened for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose-Bengal test; those found to be positive were then examined by Wright and 2-mercaptoethanol Brucella agglutination tests. A questionnaire was used to collect data on flock-level factors likely associated with the within flock seroprevalence of brucellosis. The associations were statistically evaluated for significance in multivariable logistic models. Sixty three flocks [21.00%; 95% CI: 16.80-26.60] had at least one seropositive animal. The mean within-flock seroprevalence was 3.10% [95% CI: 2.60-3.90]. The presence of newly purchased animals [OR=3.42; 95% CI: 1.35-8.65] was significantly associated with seropositivity. Our findings highlight the role of animal movement among flocks in the epidemiology of brucellosis in this region. Thus, a control program for brucellosis in the region is suggested to impose appropriate restrictions on animal trade and improve knowledge of livestock owners about quarantine principles for newly purchased animals

[Digital comparison of cephalometric standards between 9 to 11 year old Iranians and American Caucasions, after 2 years follow up with dentofacial planner software]

Nowadays cephalometric software have become very popular, but due to racial and ethnical difference in facial soft and hard tissue features the norms should be adapted for each nation. The purpose of this study was to establish soft and hard tissue data base for 9 to 11 years Iranian children and to compare it with Legan and Ricketts dentofacial planner plus norms for American Caucasians. This was a longitudinal descriptive study on 60 cephalograms of normal 9-11 years Iranian children in city of Qazvin. They were selected as normal occlusion cases according to Moyer's. The cephalograms were scanned and 13 landmarks for Legan soft tissue and 32 landmarks for Ricketts hard tissue analysis were digitized. Then by means of Dentofacial planner plus 11 measurements were calculated for each age group [20 in each age 9, 10, 11 years]. The mean for each landmark was compared to American Caucasian norms in the databank by Paired t test. Nine years old Iranian girls had more facial convexity, nasolabial angle, upper and lower lip protrusion and height of midface but their lower face height was less. In boys, middle face height was the same as American's and nasolabial angle differed less. In 11 year old girls the difference between lower face height and lip protrusion became less, boy's nasolabial angle was more than American's. Significant differences were present in soft and hard tissue norms of Iranian's in comparison to American Caucasions. Iranian data base for cephalometric norms should he established

[Survey of health beliefs of women about performing mammography in the health service centers of Sari]

Breast cancer is one of the most important non contagious disease with high incidence and mortality in females. It is the most commonly reported cancer and consists 18.9% of all reported cancer cases. Screening is a very important method for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Considering the important role of beliefs in performing as the most effective available method in diagnosis, this study was designed and done about the health beliefs of women towards mammography. This descriptive study was performed on 400 randomly selected women above 40 years of age referring to the health service centers in Sari. Their health beliefs about mammography was assessed by a questionnaire using Champion method. The obtained data were analyzed by inferential and descriptive statistical methods. Majority of the women [69.5%] did not practice mammography until the time of this study but 13.9% of their first family members did it. About 55.8% of them accepted that mammography insures individuals of their breast health. About 41.6% of them believed that early diagnosis of breast cancer prevents mastectomy. The most common obstacle of mammography was the concept that lack of any mass observation in breast self examination rejects requirement for mammography. About 34.5% of the patients, agreed that breast cancer affects their job activity and 34.7% agreed that breast cancer may lead to masteatomy. Statistical analysis did not reveal any relation between the occupation of the women and their beliefs about benefit of mammography and their vulnerability to breast cancer and its severity. Statistically significant relationship was observed between the education and the concepts of the women about the benefit and barrier of mammography [p<0.05]. Despite positive concept, about mammography, it is not routinely performed in the society. Hence, it is recommended to encourage women to take advantage of this method for breast cancer screening and also the procedure should be free of charge for women above 40 years of age attending heath cancers