Hassan Nasirian

This systematic review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the epidemiology of scorpion sting stratification across Iran’s geography, a critical public health concern in its arid and semi-arid regions. Conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the review analyzes the spatial and temporal patterns of envenomations, identifies key ecological, climatic, and anthropogenic determinants, and evaluates the growing evidence for climate change as a driver of increased risk. The study confirms hyperendemic levels of scorpion stings in the southwestern and western provinces, with species from the genera Hemiscorpius and Androctonus presenting the most severe medical threat. A meta-analysis of national data yields a pooled incidence rate of 92.7 per 100,000 population per year (95% CI: 68.4–117.0), with extreme heterogeneity (I² = 98.9%) reflecting stark regional disparities. The primary determinants of scorpion distribution and human-scorpion conflicts include climatic variables (temperature, precipitation, and humidity), land-use practices, unplanned urbanization, and occupational exposure. Recent evidence from species distribution modeling strongly suggests that climate change is expanding suitable habitats for scorpions, prolonging their active seasons, and increasing human-scorpion conflicts. This review highlights the critical need for improved surveillance, predictive spatial risk models, and climate-adaptive public health strategies to address this growing threat.

Climate change is a global issue that presents significant challenges for countries worldwide, including Iran. Researchers need up-to-date information on climate change within their own country, including statistics on its severity, efforts to address it, and the impacts on the environment, temperatures, extreme weather events, water resources, agriculture, biodiversity, migration, air quality, and human health. This review provides an overview of these topics in the context of Iran, discussing challenges, sustainable practices, renewable energy, government responses, and international collaborations to mitigate climate change effects. It aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on the current and potential future implications of climate change in Iran. Climate change in Iran has resulted in higher temperatures, droughts, and wildfires, impacting agriculture and exacerbating water scarcity. Extreme weather events such as floods and storms are causing damage to infrastructure. Climate change poses a significant threat to global health, with direct consequences including severe storms, heat stress, and deteriorating air quality. Despite this uncertainty, it is imperative to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. Rising global temperatures are contributing to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life. Iran's efforts to address climate change include investing in renewable energy, and implementing sustainable practices. Collaboration between the government and local communities is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change through effective policies and initiatives. Iran aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability through investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.

Background: The distribution of scorpions is influenced by various factors that determine their presence and abundance in different regions. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending scorpion ecology and predicting their potential impact on ecosystems. Objective: These subtopics aim to provide an overview of the distribution of scorpions within Iran and the factors affecting their distribution, highlighting their ecological preferences and adaptations to different regions. Methods: Forty-nine documents were collected from well-known indexing services, including Elsevier, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Springer, and Web of Science. After carefully studying the documents, they were classified into specific topics and discussed. Results: Iran exhibits a wide range of climatic conditions that contribute to the distribution patterns of scorpion species and boasts a remarkable diversity of scorpion species. Based on the results of this study, the following factors have been involved in the distribution of scorpions in Iran, which have been discussed: biological and environmental factors, climate, human impact, the availability of food and suitable shelters and hiding places, and the geological features of different regions. Conclusion: The distribution of scorpions is undeniably influenced by human activities, which have led to significant alterations in their habitats.

Pediculosis caused by the Pediculus capitis (De Geer, 1767), is a major public health concern worldwide, including in Iran. Policymakers must be well-informed on the relevant evidence through comprehensive studies. No study has been done concerning trends of Pediculus capitis infestation in provinces of Iran, geographic and climatic regions, seasons, location of meridians and tropics areas, together with the distribution and stratification. Therefore, a study of the mentioned objectives was conducted. The data on P. capitis infestation levels and factor impacts on P. capitis infestation levels in Iranian people were extracted and summarized from 126 articles. The trends of P. capitis infestation have increased in about half of the country’s provinces over the previous two decades. These provinces are located mostly in the southern Caspian Sea shores, the central plateau, and the south coast. Pediculus capitis infestations are in the range of -ꝏ–-0.40, -0.40–-0.20, and -0.20–0.00 in the regression coefficient regarding the distribution and stratification. For the first time in this study, the impact of the meridians and the tropics that pass through Iran was also evaluated on P. capitis infestation. Based on the intensity of P. capitis infestation, the order of the influence of the factors that affect infestation is estimated. Interaction modeling demonstrated that primary school has a synergistic impact on time trends. In addition, the Western mountains, the central plateau, and the southeast showed synergistic effects with time trends on the incidence of the outcome. The findings provide the national baseline data to initiate steps for national pediculosis intervention programs.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the Leishmania species. This comprehensive research has studied the distribution and pathogenicity of leishmaniasis and the factors causing its emergence in new areas and affecting pathogenicity in Iran. Eighty-seven documents were collected in the web search. With a diverse climate and geographical landscape, Iran is home to several Leishmania species, resulting in a significant health burden with various forms. The leishmaniasis distribution exhibits a complex pattern across Iran that is influenced by factors, like climate change, urbanization, and migration patterns. Poor sanitation infrastructure and inadequate access to safe water sources also contribute to the spread of leishmaniasis by creating favorable breeding conditions for vectors. Moreover, environmental changes such as deforestation and agricultural activities further facilitate vector habitat expansion. Leishmaniasis is prevalent in both rural and urban areas throughout Iran, with distinct regional variations in prevalence and intensity. Followed by visceral and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most prevalent form. Northern provinces, like Gilan and Mazandaran, experience lower incidence rates due to their colder climates and higher altitudes. In contrast, southern regions like Kerman and Fars display higher rates due to their arid environments and suitable breeding grounds for vectors. Additionally, the western provinces of Ilam and Khuzestan witness a significant disease burden due to their proximity to Iraq, where leishmaniasis is endemic. The pathogenesis of leishmaniasis involves a complex interplay between the parasite, host immune responses and environmental factors. Another important factor influencing pathogenicity is the vector species transmitting the parasite.

Dengue fever, caused by dengue virus, is a mosquito-borne virus, which poses a significant public health threat worldwide. Fifteen countries have a water or land border with Iran. This review deals with the distribution of dengue fever in Iran’s neighboring countries and the risk of transmission to Iran. The disease and the infected ...

Background: Despite improved living conditions, individual health and health indicators in human societies, head lice infestation continues to be a major health problem. Therefore, studying the efficacy of drugs and identifying treatment - resistant cases in the prevention and elimination of this disease is of particular importance. Objective: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of dimethicone and permethrin in infected pupils in elementary schools for girls. Methods: This study was conducted on primary schoolgirls infected with head lice in Doroud County, Lorestan - Iran. The eighty infected girls were detected and randomized into two groups receiving any of the treatments listed. By the end of week two, the efficacy of the drugs was determined. Results: The efficacy of dimethicone and permethrin after treatment were 82.6 and 54.7%, respectively, to remove head lice at the end of two weeks. In other words, the effectiveness of dimethicone was 27.9% higher than permethrin. The Chi - square test at the end of the first week did not reveal significant differences between the treatment groups (P = 0.065). The outcomes of dimethicone treatment at the end of the second week (P = 0.025) and generally at the end of two weeks (P = 0.006) were more effective than permethrin. Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that dimethicone is useful in the treatment of head lice compared to permethrin.