Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 4 2023 09 17 1602 1602 EN Mohsen Mahmoudi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Bita Mehravi Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Shabani Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ramtin Hadighi Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Alireza Badirzadeh Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Dehdast Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ghazale Chizari Fard Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Vahid Pirhajati Mahabadi Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sekineh Akbari Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sci-ences, Isfahan, Iran Fatemeh Tabatabaie Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Mohebali Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2022 12 04 2023 05 07 Background: Current medications especially the pentavalent antimonial compounds have been used as the first line treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), but they have limitations due to serious side effects such as drug resistance, cardio and nephrotoxicity, and high costs. Hence, the demand to find more usable drugs is evident. Synthesis and devel­opment of natural, effective, biocompatible, and harmless compounds against Leishmania major is the principal priority of this study. Methods: By electrospinning method, a new type of nanofiber were synthesized from royal jelly and propolis with dif­ferent ratios. Nanofibers were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Micros­copy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Contact angle, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), Half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) and the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) for different concentrations of nanofibers were determined using quantitative calorimetric meth­ods. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and flow cytometry were performed as complementary tests. Results: The results showed that the proposed formulas provide a new achievement that, despite the significant killing activity on L. major, has negligible cytotoxicity on the host cells. Royal jelly nanofibers have significantly shown the best 72 hours results (IC50= 35 μg/ml and EC50=16.4 μg/ml) and the least cytotoxicity. Conclusion: This study presents a great challenge to introduce a new low-cost treatment method for CL, accelerate wound healing, and reduce scarring with minimal side effects and biocompatible materials. Royal jelly and propolis nanofibers significantly inhibit the growth of L. major in-vitro. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1602 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1602/629

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 4 2024 03 17 1673 1673 EN Mohammad Amin Gorouhi Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Arman Izadian Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mulood Mohammadi Bavani Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran Amir Mohammad Habibi Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Godwin Nutifafa Gidiglo Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abbas Aghaei Afshar Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Seyed Massoud Madjdzadeh Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Saideh Yousefi Department of Public Health, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran Leila Shirani-Bidabadi Department of Vector Biology and Control, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Yaser Salim Abadi Department of Health services and Health Promotion, School of Health, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran Hossein Barahoei Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Agricultural Research Institute, Research Institute of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Ismaeil Alizadeh Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 08 21 2023 11 12 Background: Kerman Province is one of the endemic foci of scorpionism in southeastern Iran. Totally 17 species are reported for Kerman Province fauna. The current study seeks to determine the fauna of medically important scorpions in northern parts of this province. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to March 2021. The specimens were captured from different areas, by rock-rolling during day and using Ultraviolet light at night. The specimens were pre­served in ethanol (80%) and then identified using reliable identification keys for scorpions. Results: Totally, 499 specimens were captured from eight cities in northern Kerman. In total, 11 species belonging to three families were identified. Buthacus sp. is reported for the first time from Kerman Province. Buthacus sp., Hotten­totta cf. juliae, and Hottentotta cf. schach, were the lowest in frequency of occurrence, against Mesobuthus navidpouri as the highest frequency. Conclusion: The results of this study are useful for the preparation of regional or monovalent antivenom for the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute. Additionally, the obtained data are useful for the effective planning of scorpion control programs in the northern parts of Kerman Province, Iran. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1673 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1673/638

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 4 2024 02 27 1645 1645 Amrollah Azarm Tehran University of Medical Sciences Hassan Vatandoost Tehran University of Medical Sciences Mona Koosha Tehran University of Medical Sciences Amir Akhavan Tehran University of Medical Sciences Mehdi Mohebali Tehran University of Medical Sciences Zahra Saeidi Tehran University of Medical Sciences Awat Dehghan Tehran University of Medical Sciences Mohammad Oshaghi Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 05 05 2023 05 20 Background: Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran. The nonstandard use of pesticides against pests, particularly in agriculture, indirectly has caused the de­velopment of resistance and, consequently, the threat of control measures in ZCL endemic areas. Up to 2023, several reports of resistance in Ph. papatasi have been declared in the old world. The purpose of this study was to measure the lethal time (LT50 and LT90) of Ph. papatasi sand flies in the ZCL endemic center of Esfahan to DDT and deltamethrin insecticides. Methods: Sand flies were collected in Borkhar and were tested using WHO adult mosquito test kit against DDT 4% and deltamethrin 0.0002%. The sand fly’s survival was recorded during exposure time in 225, 450|, 900, 1800, and 3600-seconds’ intervals for DDT and Deltamethrin and they were allowed to recover for 24 hours. Then LT50 and LT90 were analyzed using probit software. Phlebotomus papatasi were identified using morphological keys and other sand flies’ species were excluded from the analysis. Results: The insecticide against female Ph. papatasi revealed hundred percent mortality when exposed to DDT 4% and deltamethrin 0.0002%. The LT50 and LT90 were 19.32 and 22.74 minutes for DDT 4% and 39.92 and 51.33 minutes for deltamethrin 0.0002% respectively. Conclusion: Results of this study revealed that Ph. papatasi is still susceptible to DDT and deltamethrin. This data pro­vides valuable knowledge to implement effective control strategies against ZCL main vector and help to manage insec­ticide resistance in the region. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1645 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1645/639

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 4 2024 03 05 1558 1558 EN N R Ramesh masthi Department of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India Divya Bharathi G Department of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India 2022 04 25 2024 01 21 Background: The burden of dengue and chikungunya diseases across geographical regions of India is poorly quantified more so during Covid19 pandemic and from hospital-based studies. The objective was to assess the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in the study area and to visualize the spatial distribution of dengue and chikungunya cases using the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the population in villages coming under a medical college’s rural field practice area near Bangalore. A total of 31 villages were selected through a simple random sampling method and 3356 subjects were surveyed through household visits. QGIS was used for spatial mapping of cases. Results: 3356 subjects were surveyed, and the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya was 1.13% and 0.02%, re­spectively. The overall prevalence of dengue and chikungunya cases together was 1.16%. All 39 (100%) cases had reported fever and 31 patients (79.5%) reported myalgia followed by arthralgia 22 (56.4%). QGIS supported spa­tial mapping of the cases and no clustering of cases was found in the study area. Conclusion: The burden of dengue and chikungunya is under reported, and the surveillance system needs to be strengthened in the rural area. Spatial mapping using QGIS may help in a better understanding of the problem. QGIS was found to be useful in the spatial mapping of the cases and there was no clustering of cases observed. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1558 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1558/640

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 4 2024 03 17 1655 1655 Maryam Tavassoli Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehdi Kadivar Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran Amir Ahmad Akhavan Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Abdigoudarzi 3Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran Abbas Moridnia Department of Genetics and molecular biology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran Samira Chaibakhsh Eye Research Center, the Five Senses Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mojtaba Beik-mohammadi West Health Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 06 22 2023 08 13 Background: The saliva and salivary glands of ticks possess a wide range of immuno-pharmacologically active mole­cules that effectively modulate the activity of enzymes, antibodies, and amines that have a role in different biological processes. Derived components from saliva and salivary glands of hard ticks Ixodidae have been characterized as poten­tial natural sources for discovering promising anti-cancer drug candidates. Methods: The anti-cancer activity of salivary gland extracts (SGEs) from Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma drome­darii, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hyalomma schulzei was assessed. MTT assays and flow cytometry were done on the HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line to evaluate the anti-viability and proliferative inhibition. Results: Based on the MTT assay results, the SGEs from Hy. dromedarii had the highest and lowest substantial anti-viability effects on the HT-29 cancer cell and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) normal cell, respectively. The cytometric assessment revealed a significant increase in the apoptosis and necrosis ratio of the HT-29 cancer cells after treatment with Hy. dromedarii SGEs. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that Hy. dromedarii SGEs have significant anti-proliferative, anti-viability, and apoptotic potential. The result of this study suggests that Hy. dromedarii SGEs is an appropriate candidate for further investigations to identify and purify the mechanisms and molecules involved in the anti-cancer activity of the SGEs. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1655 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1655/641

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 4 2024 03 17 1659 1659 Mahdi Babagolzadeh Department of Parasitology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Nadia Tayefi Nasrabadi Department of Parasitology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Elham Moghaddas Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Ali Moshaverinia Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Mohammad Reza Yousefi Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran 2023 07 18 2023 11 08 Background: Bedbugs are nocturnal ectoparasites that have made a comeback after 20 years and have become one of the main challenges for pest control methods worldwide. Monitoring chemical pesticide resistance is crucial for identi­fying the best bed bugs management strategies to effectively manage arthropods. This study aims to assess the suscepti­bility of Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) collected from different parts of Khorasan-Razavi Province, (north­east of Iran) to deltamethrin (pyrethroid), phoxim (organothiophosphate) and propetamphos (phosphoramidate). Methods: This study was conducted from Dec 2020 to May 2021. The efficacy of three insecticides (deltamethrin, phoxim, and propetamphos) on adult C.hemipterus was assessed using a bioassay method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO),. Concentrations of deltamethrin used were 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, and 2560 ppm, while concentrations of phoxim and propetamphos were 10, 40, 160, and 320 ppm. The bed bugs were continu­ously exposed to the insecticide for 24 hours, and mortality was assessed at regular intervals during the observation pe­riod. The concentration-response data were subjected to POLO-PC software and data were analyzed by the one-way and two-way ANOVA procedures. Results: The lethal concentration fifty values of deltamethrin, phoxim and propetamphos on the examined bed bugs were 0.551, 0.148 and 0.237 ppm, respectively. Insecticide effects of phoxim were significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) com­pared to each of either deltamethrin and propetamphos agents. Conclusions: The insecticide effects of phoxim against bed bugs were significantly higher compared to each of either deltamethrin or propetamphosinsecticides. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1659 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1659/642

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 4 2024 03 17 1662 1662 Mohammad Djaefar Moemenbellah-Fard Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Shiraz, Iran Zahra-Sadat Hosseinizadeh Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Shiraz, Iran Hamzeh Alipour Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Shiraz, Iran Roghayeh Heiran Estahban Higher Education Center- Shiraz University, Estahban, Iran Marzieh Shahriari-Namadi Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Shiraz, Iran Abdolmajid Ghasemian Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran Mahmood Osanloo Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran 2023 07 24 2023 12 18 Background: Malaria has remained the most dreadful vector-borne disease; hence, vector control is the most affordable and achievable approach to mitigate the disease burden. Due to the emergence of resistance and environmental pollu­tion, herbal larvicides are considered an alternative to chemical types. Also, nanotechnology has been proposed as a promising solution to improve the efficiency of plant larvicides. This study aimed to develop an effective herbal larvi­cide.   Methods: The chemical composition of Elettaria cardamomum essential oil (EO) was first investigated. Nanolipo­somes containing the EO were then prepared using the ethanol injection method. After that, the larvicidal efficacy of the EO and its liposomal state were compared against Anopheles stephensi in laboratory conditions. Results: Alpha-terpinyl acetate (77.59%), eucalyptol (4.38%), nerolidol (2.96%), linalool (1.77%), and limonene (1.69%) were the five major compounds of the EO. Nanoliposomes containing the EO with a particle size of 73±5 nm and a zeta potential of -16.3±0.8 mV were prepared. Additionally, the ATR-FTIR analysis verified the successful load­ing of the EO into nanoliposomes. The larvicidal activity of nanoliposomes exhibited remarkable potency, with an LC50 value of 14.35 (10–18) µg/mL, significantly more potent than the non-formulated EO, which had an LC50 value of 33.47 (28–39) µg/mL against Anopheles stephensi larvae. Conclusion: The nanoliposomes containing E. cardamomum EO showed promising efficacy against An. stephensi lar­vae. It could thus be considered for further application against other species of mosquitoes. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1662 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1662/643

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases 2322-1984 17 4 2024 03 17 1502 1502 Mehdi Zare Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sci¬ences, Bandar Abbas, Iran Hassan Vatandoost Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Department of Chemical Pollutants and Pesticides, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mussa Soleimani-Ahmadi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran, Social Determinants in Health Promotion Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran Seyed Aghil Jaberhashemi Bashagard Health Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bashagard, Iran Shokrollah Mohseni Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran 2021 10 20 2023 11 19 Background: Indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are two core interventions for control and prevention of malaria infection. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to determine the knowledge and practices of women regarding malaria and its preventive measures in a malarious area in the Jask County, southeast of Iran. Methods: Data was collected from 400 households through a two-stage random cluster sampling method in six villages. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. During the survey, visual observations were also made by the interviewers to check use of LLINs and IRS. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21. Results: The majority of households had a high level of knowledge about symptoms (98%, n=392) and transmission (74.5%, n=298) of malaria. The main preventive measures against malaria were: LLINS (39.5%, n=158), IRS (32%, n=128), and screens on doors/windows (16.7%, n=67). In addition, participants with primary or higher educational level reported that they practice more malaria preventive measures, compared to those who were illiterate (OR=3.3, 95% CI= 1.6–6.6, p=0.0001, Table 6). In spite of positive perceptions about IRS and LLINs, only 35.5% (n=142) and 17% (n=68) of households used IRS and LLINs, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, despite a high level of knowledge about malaria and its preventive measures, a small number of participants use LLINs and IRS for malaria prevention. Therefore, implementation of ef­fective educational interventions is recommended to improve preventive practices against malaria in the study area. https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/view/1502 https://jad.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jad/article/download/1502/644