Modelling the probability of presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Iran until 2070

Objective: To determine the suitable ecological habitats of Aedes (Ae.) aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Iran due to climate change by the 2070s. Methods: All data relating to the spatial distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus worldwide, which indicated the geographical coordinates of the collection sites of these mosquitoes, were extracted from online scientific websites and entered into an Excel file. The effect of climatic and environmental variables on these mosquitoes was evaluated using the MaxEnt model in the current and future climatic conditions in the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s. Results: The most suitable areas for the establishment of Ae. aegypti are located in the southern and northern coastal areas of Iran, based on the model outputs. The modelling result for suitable ecological niches of Ae. albopictus shows that in the current climatic conditions, the southern half of Iran from east to west, and parts of the northern coasts are prone to the presence of this species. In the future, some regions, such as Gilan and Golestan provinces, will have more potential to exist/establish Ae. albopictus. Also, according to the different climate change scenarios, suitable habitats for this species will gradually change to the northwest and west of the country. The temperature of the wettest season of the year (Bio8) and average annual temperature (Bio1) were the most effective factors in predicting the model for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. Conclusions: It is required to focus on entomological studies using different collection methods in the vulnerable areas of Iran. The future modelling results can also be used for long-term planning to prevent the entry and establishment of these invasive Aedes vectors in the country.

Circulation of Brucellaceae, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. In borderline of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia

Objective: To estimate the infection of ticks to Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, and Brucellaceae using molecular methods in borderline of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Methods: Totally, 2 022 ticks were collected from different livestock. Then, species were diagnosed under stereomicroscope according to valid morphological keys. Tick DNA was extracted followed by PCR to detect Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Theileria, Babesia and Brucellaceae infection in ticks. Results: A total of 498 males [24.62% (95% CI 22.76%-26.57%)], 741 females [36.64% (95% CI 34.54%-38.79%)], 782 nymphs [38.67% (95% CI 36.55%-40.84%)] and 1 larva [0.04% (95% CI 0.00%-0.28%)] were identified. Among identified samples, we found four genera including Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis, and Dermacentor. Molecular assay revealed that the prevalence of ticks to Anaplasma or Ehrlichia, and Brucellaceae was 22.02% (95% CI 16.01%-29.06%) and 15.03% (95% CI 9.43%-22.26%), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the identified Anaplasma sp. had the most similarity with Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma camelii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, submitted in GenBank. Furthermore, the detected Ehrlichia sp. and Brucellaceae bacterium had the most similarity with Ehrlichia ruminantium and Mycoplana peli, respectively. However, no sign of the presence of Theileria and Babesia spp. was seen in the studied samples. Conclusions: Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and brucellosis should be considered as important health threats in northwestern Iran and consistent monitoring on infection of ticks and livestock should be performed regularly.

Effect of Advanced Trauma Life Support program on medical interns' performance in simulated trauma patient management / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Since appropriate and time-table methods in trauma care have an important impact on patients'outcome, we evaluated the effect of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program on medical interns' performance in simulated trauma patient management.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A descriptive and analytical study before and after the training was conducted on 24 randomly selected undergraduate medical interns from Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. On the first day, we assessed interns' clinical knowledge and their practical skill performance in confronting simulated trauma patients. After 2 days of ATLS training, we performed the same study and evaluated their score again on the fourth day. The two findings, pre- and post- ATLS periods, were compared through SPSS version 15.0 software. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Our findings showed that interns'ability in all the three tasks improved after the training course. On the fourth day after training, there was a statistically significant increase in interns' clinical knowledge of ATLS procedures, the sequence of procedures and skill performance in trauma situations (P less than 0.001, P equal to 0.016 and P equal to 0.01 respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ATLS course has an important role in increasing clinical knowledge and practical skill performance of trauma care in medical interns.</p>

[Frequency of consanguineous marriage in Tehran and some related factors]

Consanguineous marriage is an important type of marriage in the world including Iran. Familial marriage mean's marriage between a man and woman who has at least one common grandfather. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of consanguineous marriage and some related factors in Tehran [2008]. This study was a cross-sectional with descriptive and analytic features. 180 couples who intend to marriage and come to health care centers of Tehran's [summer 2008] medical universities were randomly assessed with an author's built questionnaire. Means age of persons with consanguineous marriage and non-consanguineous marriage were 24.7 + 4.2 years and 25.6 +/- 4 years, respectively. The level of knowledge of majority of persons about the effects of consanguineous marriage was intermediate and lower. Most of people believed that genetic consult is very necessary. Frequency of consanguineous marriage was 17.7%. Incidence of familial marriage has no significant relationship with age, sex and education of persons [P>0.05], but there was significant relationship between occurrence of familial marriage and history of this type of marriage in their parent, family and friends [P<0.002]. Although the majority of persons in this study has not a proper level of knowledge about the effects of consanguineous marriage and thus need genetic consult, but their friends were the most important reference of their information about familial marriage and it's consequences. This reveals that communications and genetic consulters have a weak role in giving information to people