Evaluation of the biodiversity and distribution of sand flies and tracking of Leishmania major in them in central Iran.

Many areas of Iran are endemic regarding Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) as a parasitic disease transmitted by a female sand fly vector's bite. The present study investigated the distribution of sand flies in Harand and Egieh in Isfahan province, Central Iran. Overall, 408 out of 1260 collected sand flies were identified morphologically, among which 353 and 55 were isolated from Harand and Egieh, respectively. Also, 66.4% and 33.6% of the sand flies were female and male, respectively. The most prevalent sand fly species were Phlebotomus papatasi (52%), followed by Ph. caucasicus (40.4%), Sergentomyia sintoni (4.9%), and Ph. kazeruni (0.7%). Among 180 molecularly-analyzed sand flies, 14 (7.77%) were found infected with L. major, with 9 out of 103 (8.73%) Ph. papatasi and 5 out of 75 (6.66%) Ph. caucasicus.

Transposition surgery for WEBINO.

Wall-eyed bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (WEBINO) is a rare syndrome which is characterized by a set of ocular motility abnormalities, especially a large-angle exotropia in primary gaze. One of the management strategies suggested for it is extraocular muscle surgery, particularly transposition surgery. In this 38-year-old male WEBINO patient, we concluded that transposition surgery could effectively alleviate the exodeviation and also the patient's complaints in comparison with resection-recession procedures.

Dependence of micronuclei assay on the depth of absorbed dose.

AIM: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the dependence of micronuclei response on the depth of absorbed dose. BACKGROUND: One of the most common cytogenetic methods used for radiation dosimetry is micronuclei (MN). Being less complex and faster than other methods are two remarkable advantages of the MN method which make it suitable for monitoring of population. In biological dosimetry based on the micronuclei method, the investigation into the dependence of response on the depth in which dose is absorbed is significant, though has received less attention so far. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were poured in separate vials to be irradiated at different depths using a linear accelerator system. RESULTS: According to the results, MN, as a function of the absorbed dose, had the best fitness with the linear-quadratic model at all depths. Furthermore, the results showed the dependence of MN response on the depth of absorbed dose. For doses up to 2 Gy, the maximum difference from the reference depth of 1.5 cm was related to the depth of 10 cm; however, by increasing the absorbed dose, the response associated with the depth of 20 cm showed the maximum deviation from the reference depth. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, it is necessary to apply a correction factor to the biological dosimetry. The correction factor is dependent on the depth and the absorbed dose.

Experimental Modeling, Statistical Analysis, and Optimization of the Laser-Cutting Process of Hardox 400 Steel.

Fiber laser cutting machines are widely used in industry for cutting various sheet metals. Hardox steel is widely used in the construction of machinery and equipment that are subjected to wear and impact due to its anti-wear properties and good impact resistance. In this experimental study, the effect of input parameters including laser output power (LOP), laser-cutting speed (LCS), and focal point position (FPP) of fiber laser on the surface roughness and kerf width of Hardox 400 steel sheets are studied. In addition, the optimization of input parameters to achieve the desired surface roughness and kerf width are investigated and analyzed using the response surface methodology (RSM). The experiments are performed using a 4 kW fiber laser-cutting machine and the output results including surface roughness and kerf width are measured using roughness meters and optical microscope. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for surface roughness and kerf width show that the FPP and LCS are the most significant process parameters affecting the surface roughness and kerf width. With a positive focal point, the surface roughness decreases while the kerf width increases. With increasing the laser-cutting speed, both the surface roughness and kerf width decrease.

The Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) of Iran.

Although Iran has a large geographic area encompassing 13 ecoregions, its simuliid fauna remains largely unexplored. To begin redressing this faunal gap, we reviewed literature records and coupled morphological and chromosomal identifications of material newly collected from 16 sites in Iran. Twenty-three nominal species are now recognized, including new country records for Simulium crassicaulum (Rubtsov) and Simulium alajense Rubtsov, and the southernmost world record for Simulium transcaspicum Enderlein. Multiple cytoforms of the Simulium aureum group, Simulium bezzii complex, and Simulium ornatum group were found.

An investigation into the dose rate and photon energy dependence of the GENA gel dosimeter in the MeV range.

PURPOSE: In the current study, the energy and dose rate dependence of a new genipin-based gel dosimeter, named GENA gel dosimeter, were investigated. METHODS: Prepared gel dosimeters exposed using a Varian clinical linac. Beam qualities of 6 and 18 MV were applied to investigate the GENA gel dosimeter's energy dependence. Furthermore, the gel dosimeters were exposed to 50, 100, 200, and 350 cGy/min dose rates, ranging from 0 to 8 Gy. The irradiated gel dosimeters were read out using a double beam UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The absorbance peak (AP) and area under spectrum (AUS) were evaluated. RESULTS: Absorbance-dose sensitivities of (8.0 ± 0.18) × 10-3 cm-1Gy-1 and (7.8 ± 0.15) × 10-3 cm-1Gy-1 were obtained for GENA gel dosimeter for 6 and 18 MV beam qualities, respectively. Results specified no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the GENA gel dosimeter's sensitivities irradiated using the two energies mentioned above. For the mentioned dose rates, AP-dose sensitivities of (8.2 ± 0.22) × 10-3, (8.1 ± 0.21) × 10-3, (8.1 ± 0.2) × 10-3 and (8.0 ± 0.18) × 10-3 cm-1Gy-1 were obtained, respectively. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the GENA gel dosimeter's sensitivities for the investigated dose rates and energies. In addition, results revealed that when the incident photon energy and dose rate changed, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the GENA gel dosimeter's dose resolution values. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the response of the GENA gel dosimeter is not dependent on the energy and dose rate (p > 0.05) within the studied energy and dose rate ranges.

Response investigation of a new polymer gel dosimeter based on ammonium salt through MRI technique.

Increasing the use of polymer gel dosimetry (PGD) in radiotherapy requires reducing its toxicity. The toxicity of the PGD components causes risks for the users as well as the environment. The aim of this study is to produce a new PGD called PAGBIT (Polymer, Amps ammonium salt, Gelatin, BIs, Thpc) based on the nontoxic monomer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid ammonium salt. Furthermore, this monomer is ecofriendly. The PAGBIT PGD was prepared in the laboratory in ambient conditions. PGDs were irradiated using a clinical accelerator with a dose range of 0-10 Gy. The incident photon energy and dose rate were 6-MV and 300 cGy/min, respectively. The irradiated PGDs were imaged using a 1.5T MRI scanner 9 times in a time range of 12-720 h post-irradiation. The maximum obtained sensitivity was 0.115 ± 0.005 Gy-1s-1 at 36 h post-irradiation time. The average sensitivity change as a function of post-irradiation time was 0.0017 Gy-1s-1h-1. However, the average sensitivity change as a function of scanning temperature was 0.0006 Gy-1s-1°C-1. Results showed that the differences of effective atomic number and electron density between PAGBIT and soft tissue were 2.3% and 0.3%, respectively. It was concluded that the PAGBIT is a low toxic, water equivalent PGD with noticeable temporal and temperature stabilities.

Efficacy of Maggot Debridement Therapy on Refractory Atypical Diabetic Foot Ulcers: An Open-Label Study.

Atypical or refractory diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are still a major health problem. Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) by larva of Lucilia sericata is an ancient and a modern option for wound healing. It works by debridement, stimulation of wound healing, and disinfection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MDT for healing atypical and refractory DFUs. Patients with atypical DFUs were selected and further evaluated for some predefined differential diagnoses like atypical fungal, parasitic, or bacterial infections, malignancy, trauma, and so on. Multiple MDT sessions were carried out. Ulcer size was measured before every MDT session. Complete wound healing, time to heal, and adverse effects were recorded as well. Forty-two DFU patients (26 men, 16 women) with 42 nonhealing atypical ulcers participated in this study. Complete wound healing was achieved in 35 patients (83.3%) by MDT. Complete debridement and then healing of the wounds happened in less than 1.79 ± 0.8 months. Four ulcers persisted, and 3 (7.1%) were eventually amputated. MDT may be considered as an effective treatment for atypical DFUs, which are unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Study of fauna, activity patterns and Leishmania infection rate of phlebotomine sand flies in Western Iran.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a crucial vector-borne disease caused by various species of Leishmania and is transmitted by several species of sandflies. The present study was conducted to describe sand fly fauna on vectors of leishmaniasis and performing molecular identification of Leishmania isolates from them on the Iran-Iraq border. Entomological surveys were done from May to October 2016-2018 in 2 counties (Mehran and Dehloran) of Ilam province, west of Iran. Sandflies were collected by 40 Sticky Traps at each station. Samples were mounted for species identification using morphological characters of the head and abdominal terminalia. DNA was extracted from Phlebotomus papatasi females, and Leishmania isolates were identified through PCR on minicircle kDNA, followed by sequencing. A total of 5592 sandflies including 2 genera of Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia comprising 8 species of sand flies were detected. Leishmania major infection was detected in 3.33% of 300 tested female sandflies. Phlebotomus papatasi was predominant in outdoor and indoor resting places. Phlebotomus papatasi was determined as dominant vector of Leishmania major infection in Mehran and Dehloran counties, West of Iran. It seems the composition of sandfly species in the study area is almost similar to the other parts of Iran. A detailed description of the epidemiology and ecology of Phlebotomine sand flies needs to be established to accomplish effective vector control programs.

A Survey on Inhibitory Effect of Whole-Body Extraction and Secretions of Lucilia sericata's Larvae on Leishmania major In vitro.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a skin disease caused by Leishmania parasite. Despite being self-limiting, must be treated. Available drugs have side effects and drug resistance has also been seen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is using sterile fly larvae (maggots) of blow flies (Lucilia sericata) for the treatment of different types of tissue wounds. Larvae have excreted and secreted substances that have been proved to have antimicrobial effects, in addition to the some other specifications. RESULTS: In this study, the anti-leishmanial effects of extracts and secretions of sterile second- and third-instar larvae of L. sericata on the growth of Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes in the J774 macrophages have been evaluated in vitro. CONCLUSION: The results showed that extracts and secretions had almost the same leishmaniocidal effect on promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes without cytotoxic effect on macrophages.

A new formulation of polymer gel dosimeter with reduced toxicity: Dosimetric characteristics and radiological properties.

The present study aimed to produce a new, less toxic, and cost-effective polymer gel dosimeter using potassium salt of 2-acrylamido-2 methyl-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) monomer. The new formulation was called PAKAG. The irradiation of PAKAG polymer gel dosimeter was performed using a 6 MV clinical linear accelerator, and its response was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. The obtained images were post-processed to produce related R2 maps. Afterward, the Dose-R2 calibration curves were obtained. Response dependence on the imaging temperature was examined. Furthermore, response stability over time was investigated. To investigate the radiological characteristics, the elemental composition, effective atomic number, electron density, and photon attenuation coefficient of PAKAG polymer gel dosimeter were calculated. A maximum sensitivity of 0.152±0.007 with the goodness of fit of R2=0.999 in a dynamic range of 0-6Gy at 12h post-irradiation time was found. Such as other polymer gel dosimeter, the response of PAKAG polymer gel dosimeter was dependent on post-irradiation time and imaging temperature. Finally, it was concluded that the PAKAG polymer gel dosimeter could be used as a less toxic and cost-effective polymer gel dosimeter.

Non-medial infectious orbital cellulitis: etiology, causative organisms, radiologic findings, management and complications.

BACKGROUND: Orbital cellulitis is an ophthalmic emergency, which is associated with vision-threatening adverse effects. The purpose of this study is investigating etiology, radiologic findings, management and complications of patients with non-medial orbital cellulitis. METHOD: A retrospective medical record and radiologic file review of patients with infectious orbital cellulitis was performed to detect all patients with non-medial orbital cellulitis who referred to Khalili hospital from 2016 to 2019. Age, sex, origin of infection, size of collection or abscess, medical or surgical management, microbiology, first and final best-corrected visual acuity, duration of admission, and complications was recorded. Patients divided into two groups; medical management and surgical management groups and all of data compared between in this groups. RESULTS: Of ninety-six patients with infectious orbital cellulitis, 23 cases (14 male, 9 female) were included. Five patients (21.7%) were managed medically and 18 patients (78.3%) were managed surgically. Patients' age range was 5-70 years old. Most common location for non-medial cellulitis was superior space (66.7% in surgical and 40% in medical group; p = 0.511). In 13 cases of surgical group (72.3%) were detected microorganisms. The mean ± SD of collection volume in medical group were 476.5 ± 290.93 mm3 and 2572.94 ± 1075.75 mm3 in surgical group (p < 0.001). Ten patients in surgical group had compressive optic neuropathy. The mean ± SD of collection volume was 3204.97 ± 879.88 mm3 in patient with compressive optic neuropathy and 1280.43 ± 880.68 mm3 in patient without compressive optic neuropathy (P < 0.001). One case complicated by subdural empyema and another case progressed to necrotizing fasciitis. CONCLUSION: Non-medial orbital cellulitis is an uncommon but sight-threatening and life-threatening condition. Timely diagnosis and accurate management reduce morbidity and mortality. Combined surgery for patients with superior or supra-temporal and large non-medial abscess is recommended.

A systematic review of clinical applications of polymer gel dosimeters in radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy has rapidly improved because of the use of new equipment and techniques. Hence, the appeal for a feasible and accurate three-dimensional (3D) dosimetry system has increased. In this regard, gel dosimetry systems are accurate 3D dosimeters with high resolution. This systematic review evaluates the clinical applications of polymer gel dosimeters in radiotherapy. To find the clinical applications of polymer gel dosimeters in radiotherapy, a full systematic literature search was performed on the basis of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in electronic databases up to January 31, 2017, with use of search-related terms in the titles and abstracts of articles. A total of 765 articles were screened in accordance with our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eventually, 53 articles were included in the study. The findings show that most clinical applications of polymer gel dosimeters relate to external radiotherapy. Most of the gel dosimeters studied have acceptable dose accuracy as a 3D dosimeter with high resolution. It is difficult to judge which is the best polymer gel dosimeter to use in a clinical setting, because each gel dosimeter has advantages and limitations. For example, methacrylic acid-based gel dosimeters have high dose sensitivity and low toxicity, while their dose response is beam energy dependent; in contrast, N-isopropylacrylamide gel dosimeters have low dose resolution, but their sensitivity is lower and they are relatively toxic.

A new less toxic polymer gel dosimeter: Radiological characteristics and dosimetry properties.

PURPOSE: A new polymer gel dosimeter recipe was investigated that may be more suitable for widespread applications than polyacrylamide gel dosimeters, since the extremely toxic acrylamide has been replaced with the less harmful monomer 2-Acrylamido 2-Methyl Propane Sulfonic acid (AMPS). METHODS: The new formulation was named PAMPSGAT. The MRI response (R2) of the dosimeters was analyzed for conditions of varying dose, dose rate, and temperature during scanning. Radiological properties of the PAMPSGAT polymer gel dosimeter were investigated. RESULTS: The dose-response (R2) of AMPS/Bis appears to be linear over a dose range 10-40 Gy. The percentage of difference between the R2 values for imaging at 15 °C and MRI room temperature is about 4.6% for vial with 40 Gy absorbed dose which decreased to less than 1% for imaging at 20 °C. The percentage difference of Zeff of PAMPSGAT gel and soft tissue was less than 1% in the practical energy range (100 KeV-100 MeV). The electron density of the PAMPSGAT polymer gel was 2.9% higher than that of muscle. Results showed that the sensitivity of PAMPSGAT polymer gel dosimeter irradiated by 60Co (energy = 1.25 MeV) is about 27.7% higher than that of irradiated using a 6 MeV Linac system. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature during MRI scanning has a small effect on the R2 response of the PAMPSGAT polymer gel dosimeter. Results confirmed tissue equivalency of the PAMPSGAT polymer gel dosimeter in most practical energy range. The PAMPSGAT polymer gel dosimeter response depends on energy and dose rate.

Molecular Identification of Leishmania Parasites in Sand Flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) of an Endemic Foci in Poldokhtar, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most important public health problems in many developing countries. Sand flies, as vectors, transmit infectious forms of the parasite to the vertebrate hosts. Poldokhtar, South West of Iran, is one of the endemic foci of diseases with a little information about it. In this paper, we have tried to gather some useful information to control and to prevent this disease in this region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted to determine the vector(s), the parasite, and the species composition of sand flies in the Poldokhtar County during the months from July to September 2015. Sticky paper traps were used to collect sand flies from July to September. Species identification was done based on available diagnostic keys. Nested-polymerase chain reaction was performed to diagnosis the Leishmania infection of sand flies, and restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to identify the Leishmania species. RESULTS: A total of 2000 specimens comprising 8 species of sand flies (6 Phlebotomus and 2 Sergentomyia) were identified. Phlebotomus papatasi was the dominant species outdoor and Sergentomyia sintoni was the dominant species indoor. Among the 163 specimens of female P. papatasi, just 10 of them (6.1%) were positive to Leishmania major parasites. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of Leishmania infection of P. papatasi to L. major in this region. The results revealed that the high density of P. papatasi in outdoor and their infection with L. major is attributed that this species can play a major role as a principle vector in this region.

Polymer gel dosimeters with PVA-GA matrix.

Properties of a new polymer gel with cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol as a gelatinous matrix were investigated. The new polymer gel dosimeter was named PVABAT. The irradiation was performed using a calibrated 60Co beam. The dose responses of the PVABAT formulations were quantified with MRI transverse relaxation rate (R2) measurements. The results show that the PVABAT gel responds linearly to the absorbed dose for doses from 30 up to 45 Gy. The maximal amount of [Formula: see text] of PVABAT polymer gel dosimeter was about 0.19 Gy which was indicated on a better resolution in comparison with previously reported acrylamide-based polymer gel dosimeters formulations. Furthermore, the gel response remains stable in the investigated time (192 h) after the irradiation. The effective atomic number and electron density of the new gel showed a maximum difference of 3.2 and 2% with soft tissue respectively. The melting point also increased significantly for new formulation. Furthermore, the new gel formulation has an elemental tissue equivalency for dosimetry applications involving nuclear reactions.

Comparison of Higher Order Aberrations after Wavefront-guided LASIK and PRK: One Year Follow-Up Results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes and predictability of higher order aberrations (HOAs) after personalized laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and personalized photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for simple myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 100 eyes were included. A total of 50 eyes underwent personalized LASIK and 50 eyes underwent personalized PRK. Preoperative and postoperative wavefront data were compared between the two groups. The influential factors and predictability of HOAs were also assessed. RESULT: Total HOA increased in the amount of 0.01 ± 0.14 µm for the 5 mm pupil (P = 0.55) and 0.08 ± 0.22 µm for the 6 mm pupil (P = 0.02) after PRK; however after LASIK the corresponding values for the 5 and 6 mm pupil sizes were 0.05 ± 0.12 and 0.15 ± 0.18 µm, respectively (P < 0. 001). Mean changes were not significantly different between the PRK and LASIK groups for both 5 and 6 mm pupil sizes (P = 0.21 and P = 0.13, respectively). Spherical aberration increased following LASIK more than following PRK (P < 0.001). Changes in the root mean square (RMS) of total HOA had a statistically significant negative correlation (P < 0.001) with its preoperative value. HOA and spherical aberration reduced in majority of eyes when the preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was low. CONCLUSION: For the 6mm pupil size, the total HOA increased following both personalized PRK and LASIK with no significant difference between the two groups. Change of the total HOA RMS was influenced by the preoperative values. The known influencing factors could predict nearly 50% of the changes in total HOA.

Discrimination of Paederus fuscipes and Paederus littoralis by mtDNA-COI PCR-RFLP.

BACKGROUND: Linear dermatitis is endemic in Iran where most cases occur in the Caspian Sea coast and Fars province. The disease is caused by beetles of the genus Paederus which are active from early spring to beginning of autumn although its incidence rises from May to August. The classic taxonomy of Paederus spp. is based on the male genitalia that is very complex and needs expertise. In this study, we report a DNA-based method to discriminate Paederus fuscipes and Paederus littoralis (=syn: P. lenkoranus, P. ilsae). METHODS: Type specimens were collected from north and south of Iran. Molecular typing of the species was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified fragments of mtDNA-COI. RESULTS: Sequence analyses of the data obtained in this study showed significant DNA polymorphisms. There were 89 substitutions between COI sequences of the two species. The mtDNA-COI fragment comprises several useful species-specific restriction sites comprising HaeIII that could result in distinctively different species-specific PCR-RFLP profiles. The HaeIII enzyme cuts the 872 bp PCR amplicon of P. littoralis into 737 and 100 bp and two small nonvisible bands whereas it does not cut P. fuscipes amplicon into fragments. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that molecular typing is useful method and allows one to differentiate between two species and is recommended for discrimination of other Paederus species, which morphologically are indistinguishable or very difficult to be distinguished.

Serum interleukine-6 concentration, but not interleukine-18, is associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression.

Inflammation has been linked to various steps in tumorigenesis. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-18 are two inflammatory cytokines whose serum concentrations are elevated in several types of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in some studies. This study was designed to analyze the serum concentrations of these cytokines in Iranian HNSCC patients. Serum IL-6 and IL-18 concentrations were assayed by ELISA commercial kits in 65 untreated patients and 20 healthy volunteers. Serum IL-6 concentration was significantly increased in patients compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.000). IL-6 concentration increased as the tumor stage progressed, and a significant difference appeared between stage IV vs. stage I/II/III (p = 0.03) disease. Although serum IL-18 concentration was higher in patients than in healthy individuals, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06). Moreover, there was no association between serum IL-18 concentration and tumor stage (p = 0.47). A significant difference was observed in serum IL-18 concentration according to the gender with higher IL-18 concentration in male patients (p = 0.01). In conclusion, serum concentration of IL-6 might correlate with the stage of tumor progression in Iranian HNSCC patients. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are required to exclude the possible minor correlation of serum IL-18 concentration with tumor stage.