[Effects of family based education programs on body mass index of overweight and obese children: an intervention based on the social-cognitive theory]

Introduction: Overweight and obesity in children has been documented to be major health problem. This study is the educational intervention of child`s parents according to the social cognitive theory [SCT] for their body mass index [bmi] decrease in overweight and obese children of pre-elementary grade in Zarrinshahr

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on mothers with overweight and obese pre-elementary school children, residents of Zarrinshahr town in 2015. Mothers were divided randomly into the intervention and control groups [n=45 each]. For the intervention group [children and parents], an educational program was designed, based on the SCT and presented in 4 sessions. Data were collected by a researcher made questionnaire, including demographic information, the structures of SCT, and height and weight measurement tools, both before [baseline] and 5 months after the educational intervention. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Chi-square test, analysis of covariance and the independent t-test

Results: Five months after educational intervention, mean scores of all structures of SCT, including self-efficiency, outcome expectations, self-regulation and social support of the intervention group showed a meaningful increase [P<0.001] in comparison with the control group. Physical activity of children in the intervention group also had a meaningful increase in comparison with controls. Use of social media, sweetmeats, salty snacks and sweet drinks after intervention showed no significant increase. In children, BMI showed a significant difference, compared to the pre-intervention assessment [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Results of the present study, showed that the social-cognitive theory can be used cautiously in related studies of children affected to by overweight

Evaluation of self-care and its relationship with perceived self- efficacy in patients type 2 diabetes in khorramabad city

Diabetic patients play an important role in their treatment and reduction of symptoms, with self-care being the most important factor for controlling disease progression. Self-efficacy in promoting self-care behaviors in these patients is a major factor. The present study aims to determine the correlation between self-care and self-efficacy among patients with type 2 diabetes. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 95 patients, aged 30-65 years with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected through interviews using a three part questionnaire covering demographic data, self-efficacy and self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes, and were analyzed using SPSS software version 20, and descriptive and analytical statistics [Pearson correlation square, independent t-test, one way variance and multivariate regression model]. Mean score of self-efficacy was 71.5 +/- 14.1 and for self-care the mean score was 53.6 +/- 11.7. In this study, Spearman correlation square showed a significant positive correlation between self-care and self-efficacy [P<0.001]. Also, significant positive correlations were found between self-efficacy and all the aspects self-care. This study showed a significant positive correlation between self-care and self-efficacy, demonstrating that self-efficacy . is a significant requisite for self-care behavior must be emphasized in diabetes-related educational programs

Variations to somatic protein profiles of dicrocoelium dendriticum in Iranian ruminants

Dicrocoelium dendriticum, a liver trematode of herbivores, and man is very prevalent among ruminants of Iran, resulting in causing significant economic losses. Recently its phenotype polymorphism has been found in Iran, a phenomenon that may affect the protein profile of the parasite. The aim of this study was to determine the somatic protein profiles of D.dendriticum in different ruminants in Iran. Adult worms were collected from infected livers of sheep, goat, cattle, buffalo and camel. Somatic antigens were prepared separately by centrifugation of the homogenized adult worms and their patterns were determined using SDS-PAGE. Our findings revealed 18-20 protein fractions in somatic proteins of D. dendriticum of sheep and goat and 12, 11 and 10 in that of buffalo, cattle and camel respectively showing similar molecular weights of 14.4 to 116 kDa. Similar protein bands were seen in sheep and goats samples; but not for in other samples. The results showed polymorphism in the somatic protein patterns of D.dendriticum isolated from different hosts. A different number of protein bands with similar molecular weights of somatic antigens of D.dendriticum are described for the first time in the present study

Animal fascioliasis in coastal regions of the Caspian Sea, Iran [2006-2007]

To determine the prevalence of animal fascioliasis in coastal regions of the Caspian Sea, during 2006-2007, a total of 2368 faecal samples were collected from sheep [n=1250], cattle [n=975] and horse [n=143]. The samples were obtained directly from the rectum of animals. Floatation method was performed for determination of egg per gram of faeces [EPG]. Our findings revealed the presence of Fasciola spp. eggs in 9.53, 7.8 and 2.5% of sheep and 32.5, 12.1 and 3.1% of cattle in Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan, respectively. Among the horse faecal samples collected from Golestan and Gilan provinces, no eggs were found in Golestan, while 50% of those of Gilan were infected with Fasciola spp. Cattle was one of the most infected animals in the studied areas. A positive correlation was found between climatic conditions and animal fascioliasis. Among different meteorological factors, rainfall seems to be the strongest factor

Correlation between age of sheep and structural changes of sheep hydatid cyst

Naturally, the prevalence of hydatid cyst of sheep increase with age and accompany with structural changes. The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of hydatid cyst in sheep and its structure with age. During 2009, 786 sheep in different age groups [1 to 6" |years] slaughtered at Babol abattoir, Mazanderan province were examined for hydatid cyst infection through visual examination, palpation and slicing the infected organs into pieces. The number of cysts was counted and their mean volume, diameter, and number of protoscoleces in different age groups were determined. Our findings showed the overall prevalence rate of infection 35.2%. There was a significant relation between age and considered parameters [p<0.01]. The viability of fertile cysts was 63-85%. The majority of cysts were detected through visual examination [86.4%] and the rest by palpation [8.5%] and slicing [5.1%]. Meanwhile 96% of protoscoleces were found in sheep older then 4 years of age. Old sheep are less productive, higher food consumers and harbor higher number of hydatid cysts. Therefore it can be assumed that using an accurate method for detection of infected sheep in the herd, and culling and slaughtering old infected sheep is a rather cheap and effective means to reduce the infection without losing a high proportion of sheep population

DI-[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate oxidative degradation by fenton process in synthetic and real petrochemical wastewater

Di-[2-Ethylhexyl] phthalate [DEHP] belongs to the class of phthalate esters and is used as an additive in many products including plastics, paints and inks or as a solvent in industrial formulations. The degradation of DEHP in aqueous solution using oxidative Fenton reaction [H[2]O[2]/Fe[2+] was carried out in this study. It was found that H[2]O[2] concentration, Fe[2+] concentration, and pH were the three main factors that could significantly influence the degradation rates of DEHP. The highest degradation percentage [85.6%] of DEHP was observed within 60 min at pH 3 in H[2]O[2]/Fe[2+] system. The results of our study suggested that the concentration with 90 mg/L H[2]O[2] 5 mg/L Fe[2+], and 20 mg/L DEHP in the solution at pH 3 were the optimal conditions. The optimized reaction parameters were preceded for treatment of real wastewater obtained from a petrochemical plant

Analyses of some relevant predictors on self-management of type 2 diabetic patients

Diabetes is a life threatening illness in both developed and developing countries. Self-management in diabetes is a process which facilitates adoption of self-management behaviors. This process includes need assessment, goals setting and life experiences of diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to determine some relevant factors on self-management among type 2 diabetic patients in order to facilitate planning intervention programs in health promotion field. This study was a cross sectional analysis which assessed some related factors of self-management as a predictor among 140 diabetic patients affiliated to an ambulatory health center in Isfahan in 2011. The tool of data collection was a multidimensional questionnaire included socio demographic and health characteristics [12 items], diabetes distress [17 items], self-efficacy [8 items], and self-management [35 items].Collected data was analyzed by SPSS software version 11.5 with using statistical tests. Findings showed that some variables such as age [p=0.004], duration of disease [p<0.001], sex [p=0.003], co morbidity [p=0.004], BMI [p=0.02], level of education; higher than diploma [p=0.02], medication treatment [p<0.001], health status [p<0.001], diabetes distress, [p<0.001] and self-efficacy [p<0.001] had significant relation with self-management. Predictors [R[2] = 46%]. Multivariate regression dedicated some variables such as age [6=-0.155, P=0.02], health status [6= 0.238, P=0.009], diabetes distress [6= -0.243, P=0.001], self-efficacy [6- 0.372, p<0.001] and BMI [6- - 0.17, P=0.01]. Adopting of self-management behaviors has significant reverse in relation to age, duration of disease, BMI, and diabetes distress. Meanwhile there was significant direct relation with health status and self-efficacy. Therefore, the best proposed regression model is decreasing diabetes distress and enhancing self-efficacy in order to plan intervention programs among type 2 diabetes patients

Gastrointestinal helminths of magpies [Pica pica], rooks [Corvus frugilegus] and carrion crows [Corvus corone] in Mazandaran province, north of Iran

Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of oscine birds including crows, rooks, magpies, jays, chough, and ravens. These birds are migratory species, especially in the shortage of foods, so they can act like vectors for a wide range of microorganisms. They live generally in temperate climates and in a very close contact with human residential areas as well as poultry farms. There is no available information in the literature concerning the parasitic infections of these three species of corvidae in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, so this study was conducted to clarify this. As there are three species of corvid birds in Mazandaran Province, 106 birds including 79 magpies, 11 rooks, and 16 carrion crows were examined between winter 2007 and spring 2008 at post mortem for gastrointestinal helminths. The helminths were drawn and identified morphologically in the Laboratory of Parasitology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran and also partly in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, based on the reference books and identification keys like Soulsby, Khalil et al. and Anderson et al. Four species of nematodes, 2 species of cestodes, 1 species of trematodes and 1 species of acanthocephalans were identified in these three corvid species. Five species of the helminths are identified for the first time in Iran, and the acanthocephalan species is new host record for rooks. It is clear that these corvid birds have diverse range of helminths and can act as carriers for infecting the domestic fowls

Evaluation of benzimidazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus using comparative PCR-RFLP methods

In order to deworm the ruminants especially of sheep in Iran, consumption of benzimidazoles has more than 2 decades history and today farmers are using imidazothiazoles, macrocyclic lactones and mostly benzimidazole compounds [BZs] to treat infected farm animals. It has been demonstrated that the most common molecular mechanism leading to BZ sresistance in Haemonchus contortus is a single mutation at amino acid 200 [phenylalanine to tyrosine] of the isotype 1 of beta tubulin gene. According to the report of such mutations in Iranian Teladorsagia circumcincta isolates with Restriction Site Created PCR-RFLP, we decided to evaluate the frequency of such mutations in H. contortus in three different geographical areas of Iran. A total of 102 collected adult male H. contortus were evaluated with PCR-RFLP [using PSP1406I as restriction enzyme]. By means of a second step to compare function of different methods and to increase sensitivity of detection mechanism, a third of samples were examined by another PCR-RFLP method [using TaaI as restriction enzyme] and finally beta tubulin gene of two samples was sequenced. All of samples were detected as BZss homozygote. Finally, beta tubulin gene sequencing of two samples showed no point mutation at codon 200. It seems that BZ resistance of H. contortus in Iran is not a serious problem as anticipated before

survey on the bovine amphistomiasis in Mazanderan province, north of Iran

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and intensity of amphistomiasis in native cattle and mixed breed Holstein from Mazanderan province, in the north of Iran in association with sex, age, breed and season. During the 4 seasons of 2008, at meat inspection the rumen and reticulum of 132 native cattle and 104 mixed breed were examined by naked eye for amphistomiasis. All amphistomes found in each cattle were collected separately and preserved in 70% alcohol containing 5% glycerin for further studies. Our findings revealed the overall prevalence rate and Mean +/- SE of intensity 33.9% and 864.4 +/- 127.2 amphistomes per animal, 40.9% and 1012.5 +/- 179.4 in native cattle, and 25% and 557.42 +/- 99.9 in mixed breeds, respectively. A few amphistomes were collected from the reticulum of a native cattle. There was no significant relation between the intensity of the infection and the breed [P=0.094], whereas the relation between breed and the prevalence of infection [P=0.0103], and that of age and the infection [P=0.016] were significant. The older group [5

Epidemiological aspects of canine dirofilariasis in the north of Iran

Dirofilaria immitis is an important parasite in dog and other carnivores. Our objective was study on incidence and periodicity of heartworm in north of Iran and using other methods for its diagnosis in addition to Parasitology exam. This survey spanned two years, between 2006 and 2008. Blood samples were collected from 431 stray dogs distributed along north of Iran, the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. The Knott's modified test was used for diagnosis of D. immitis and other filariae. Meanwhile, the periodicity of microfilaria in peripheral blood circulation was calculated and the imaging diagnosis techniques of four dogs that had positive results were done. Diagnostic parasitology results indicated that 16.01% of stray dogs were microfilaremic. Two different microfilariae were diagnosed: D. immitis in 13.69%, Dipetalonema reconditum in 1.86% and in 0.46% both of them. There was no statistically significant between infection to fiariae with sex and age of dogs. Also study on the periodicity of the presence of microfilaria in peripheral circulation showed that the highest rate of those was at 1 am and the lowest rate at 12 pm. Radiographic study showed distinctive signs with varied degrees of severity included: Tortuous and enlargement of main and lobar pulmonary artery, pulmonary parenchymal lesions and Right side heart enlargement that confirmed in electrocardiography. Also in echocardiographic images observed short parallel-sided images with the appearance of equal signs that indicated the presence of the heartworm. These results showed that to obtain a reliable diagnosis of heartworm infection, imaging tests could support parasitological exams

Infection of anisakids larvae in long tail tuna [thunnus tonggol] in north persian gulf

The aim of this paper was to study the prevalence and intensity of Anisakids larvae in the long tail tuna fish captured from Iranian shores of Persian Gulf. Different organs including skin, abdominal cavity, stomach and intestinal contents, stomach sub serous tissues, liver, spleen, gonads and 20 grams of muscles of 100 long tail tuna fish [Thannus tonggol] caught from waters of the north parts of Persian Gulf were searched for anisakid nematodes larvae. Twenty grams of around the body cavity muscles were digested in artificial gastric juice. Different organs and digested muscles were examined with naked eyes for the presence of anisakids larvae. The collected larvae were preserved in 70% alcohol containing 5% glycerin, and cleared in lactophenol for identification. Our findings revealed that 89% of fish harbored 3[rd] stage larvae of Anisakis sp. of which 2% were infected with both Anisakis and Raphidascaris. All inspected organs except that of skin were found to be infected, while stomach sub serous tissues were the most infected organ [80%] followed by abdominal cavity [10%], liver [4%], testicle [3%], stomach contents and spleen [2%] and intestinal contents [1%]. Intestine and abdominal cavity were the organs harbored Raphidascaris sp. Digested muscles were free of parasite. Mean intensity was low for both species and ranged between 1.5 for Raphidascaris sp. and 3.67 for Anisaki sp. Anisakids larvae especially Anisakis are very prevalent in some fish including tunas of Persian Gulf, and consumption of infected fish it is not properly cooked may lead to human anisakiasis

Amphistome species in cattle in south coast of caspian sea

Knowledge about the amphistomid fauna in Iranian domestic ruminants depends on the studies conducted almost 30 years ago. The last situation in cattle is introduced here in the provinces in south coast of Caspian Sea. Amphistomid species were collected from cattle at slaughter houses of the provinces Gilan and Mazanderan in 2010. Median sagittal sections were prepared by the conventional method. Species were identified by the histomorphological pecularities of the muscular argans. Five amphistomid species, Paramphistomum cevri, P. gotoi, Calicophoron calicophorum, Carmyerius spatiosus and Gastrothylax compressus, recovered. Calicophoron calicophorum is a new species for Iran. Criteria used in identification of the species were illustrated. Iran has a rich amphistomid fauna and mostly under the influence of oriental conditions

[Isotherm and kinetics of arsenic [V] adsorption from aqueous solution using modified wheat straw]

Water contamination with arsenic has been recognized as a serious problem and its epidemiological problems to human health have been reported. The objective of this study was to explore the possibility modified wheat straw using sodium bicarbonate for removing arsenic from aqueous solution. Adsorption process was accomplished in a laboratory-scale batch with emphasis on the effect of various parameters such as pH, contact time, arsenic concentration and adsorbent dosage on adsorption efficiency. In order to understand the adsorption process, sorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms were also determined. It was found that adsorption of the arsenic was influenced by several parameters such as arsenic initial concentration, adsorbent dosage and solution pH. Maximum absorption efficiency was achieved at pH 7. As expected the amount of arsenic adsorbed on wheat straw increased as its concentration went up. Among the models tested, namely the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin Radushkevich isotherms, the adsorption equilibrium for arsenic was best described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. It was also found that adsorption of arsenic by wheat straw followed pseudo second-order kinetics. Mean free energy of adsorption [15.8 kJ mol[-1]] indicates that adsorption of arsenic by wheat straw might follow a chemisorption mechanism. Desorption studies show that arsenic ions are strongly bounded with the adsorbent and exhibit low desorption. It is concluded that that adsorption by modified wheat straw is an efficient and reliable method for arsenic removal from liquid solutions

Helminth infections of stray dogs from Garmsar, Semnan province, central Iran

The aim was to study the gastro-intestinal helminths of stray dogs of Garmsar, Semnan Province, Central Iran, and its impacts on human health and animal production. During 2006, the alimentary tracts of 50 stray dogs at necropsy, selected from villages around Garmsar, were removed, and examined for helminth infections. Subsequently helminths were collected from the contents of each part and scraped sample of small intestines of washed materials in a 100-mesh sieve. To identify the species of helminths, the nematodes were cleared in lactophenol and cestodes were stained using carmine acid. Mixed infection was the rule and 40 dogs [80%] harbored more than one species of helminth. Taenia hydatigena was the most prevalent species [80%] followed by Echinococcus granulosus [64%], Toxocara canis [22%], Mesocestoides lineatus [12%], Taenia multiceps [10%] and Dipylidium canium [4%]. The mean intensity of worm infection was low [1-3] except for that of E.granulosus [645]. No significant difference was noticed between sex, age and most helminth infections except for that of sex and T. hydatigena [P=0.001] as well as age and T.canis [P=0.001]. Although human infection with T. hydatigena is unlikely, but other helminths reported in this study are of zoonotic importance, and may pose a threat to community health, and reduce the productions of ruminants harboring taeniid metacestodes

[Comparison of the percentages of peripheral blood CD4+ CD25+ T lymphocytes in recurrent abortion and normal pregnancy]

Background and Aims: Recent evidences indicate that parts of the immunoregulation system such as CD4+CD25+Tcells [Treg] and Th2 cells and Th1 cells, play very important roles in the maintenance of pregnancy. The deficiency in proper recognition of fetal alloantigen by the maternal immune system is associated with recurrent pregnancy failure. Here, we investigate the proportional changes of CD4+CD25+Tcells in peripheral blood of women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion in comparison to women with normal pregnancy by using flowcytometry

Methods: The case group was comprised of 24 women who had at least three successive miscarriages with unexplained etiology. They had normal karyotypes, anticardiolipin and prolactin and their husbands had normal spermograms. The percentages of TCD4+CD25+cells in peripheral blood of these patients were compared with those of 21 women who had normal pregnancy with no history of pregnancy loss. Anti-CD4, anti-CD25 and anti-CD3 antibodies were added to lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood. Then samples were incubated, centrifuged and washed. Finally cells were analyzed using FACS Caliber system and data of the two groups were compared

Results: Mean percentage of CD4+CD25+bright T cells in peripheral blood in case group was significantly lower compared to the control group [P=0.000]. Mean percentage of CD4-CD25 bright cells in the CD4+Tcell peripheral blood was significantly higher in case group campared to the control group [P=0.021]

Conclusion: Decrease of CD4+CD25 bright T cells plays a major role in tolerating conceptus antigens and cytokine and might contribute to the maintenance of pregnancy. Inadequate CD4+CD25+Tcells or their functional deficiency may link with miscarriage. Therefore, alteration of CD4+CD25+T cells can be used as an immunologic marker for monitoring of patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

Incidence and genetic characterization of Gongylonema pulchrum in cattle slaughtered in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

The gullet worm, Gongylonema pulchrum Molin, 1857, is a thread-like spirurid nematode found in a variety of mammals worldwide. Its incidences in Iranian cattle of different breed or age have not been reported. The aims of the present study are to disclose the infection status of G. pulchrum in cattle slaughtered in northern region of Iran. Full-length esophagi of cattle of 97 native dairy breed and 41 Holstein-Friesian breed were collected at four local abattoirs in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, from March 2006 to August 2007, and were examined parasitologically. Eight overlapping segments of the small-and large-subunits of rDNA were amplified by PCR, and the obtained nucleotide sequences were characterized. The incidences of G. pulchrum in female and male native dairy breed were 38.9% and 24.0%, respectively, whereas those in female and male Holstein-Friesian breed were 4.2% and 0%, respectively. The first internal transcribed spacer [ITS1] region of G. pulchrum rDNA showed an intra-individual variation in the sequence and length, and the variation was ascribed to some unstable repeats of "A" or "CA". Distinct incidences of G. pulchrum infection in native dairy breed and Holstein-Friesian breed might be ascribed to different animal husbandry manners for each breed in Iran; the former breed grazes freely in the pasture, but the latter breed is usually held in a pen. The rDNA sequence of Iranian G. pulchrum, obtained for the first time by us, might facilitate a reliable species identification of the parasite with a wide spectrum of morphological variations

[Survey of optimal temperature and moisture for worms growth and operating vermicompost production of food wastes]

Nowadays vermicompost production of food wastes is posed as one of appropriate methods to food wastes. disposal, its production used in agriculture and gardening. Moreover this process has some by products beside useful fertilizer that one of them is the worms. we can use them in variety of products specially in production of poultry and fish food. So determination of optimal condition for operating vermicompost production process of food wastes and worms. growth in these wastes is important. The aim of this study was determination of optimal temperature and moisture range for process progression in vermicompost production of food wastes. In this study we used Eisenia foetida species. Process performed in pots with 15 cm [h] and 12 cm [d] and in a mouth period of time. Three ranges of temperature including 5-15, 15-25, 25-35 °C and three ranges of moisture including 55-65%, 65-75%, 75-85% were applied in this study. Multivariate analysis was used for analyze of results and it showed that influence of temperature and moisture on C:N ratio is significant in vermicomposting process [p < 0.05]. The results showed that the range of temperature 15-25 °C is more appropriate for operating of process. Due to these study's results with increasing or reduction of ambient temperature, like summer and winter, conservation of moisture around the range of 65-75%, is effective in better performance of the process. According to this study's results, it seems that the temperature of 15- 25 °C and moisture of 65-75% are better conditions for worm's growth

[Survey on paper recycling potential in the head offices of Mazandaran province]

Recycling is one of the best alternatives in solid wastes management. Recycling has few benefits from the viewpoint of economics and environmental. Paper and cardboard are the valuable recyclable materials in solid wastes. The rate of paper recycling is 35% in world. The major production source of paper and cardboard wastes is private and governmental offices and organizations. To be informed about paper production is very important in the solid wastes recycling Thus, the aim of this study was to determine production rate of paper and cardboard waste and also to determine paper recycling potential in the 20 head offices of Mazandaran province. This study was conducted in the 20 head offices of at province center. The offices were selected by chance. This study was conducted four months in 2006. paper waste was separated after suspension of work. Collected material weighed on the sensitive scales. Separation and measuring was done for a week per month. The results showed that more than 2 tons of paper waste was produced in the twenty offices. The maximum and minimum of paper production was in education and recycling organization, respectively. The maximum and minimum of production rate was 2.08 and 0.192 kg per capita in month that was in the education and Jihad-e-Agriculture organization, respectively. Also the maximum and minimum of paper waste was produced at first work day of week [Saturday] and last work day of week [Thursday], respectively. However, it was not significantly [P >0.05]. Paper recycling operation and marketing was done in an office. Findings of this study indicated that office solid waste management needs more notice in Iran. And also calculations showed that paper recycling is economical