The importance of coarse woody debris in dynamic phases exposure in the beech (Fagus orientalis L.) stands of Hyrcanian forests

In a natural forest, phases of different dynamics are gradually replaced to create sustainability in the stands. Coarse woody debris is among the most significant structural elements of natural stands that perform an influential position in the identification of dynamic phases. Therefore, the focus of this study is on dead wood conditioning as one of the major structural components in determining the various dynamic phases in the northern forests of Iran as part of the temperate forests. For this study, compartment 326 of Gorazbon District was considered as one of the control parcels of Kheyroud Forest. In this parcel, 25 one-hectare sample plots were selected as permanent plots for a long-term forest structure and succession studies. The coarse woody debris by 100% sampling method was measured. The results showed that there are 8 main phases in this area (gap formation, understorey initiation, stem exclusion, volume accumulation, volume degradation, multiple, lighting, old-growth). The extensive forest area (52%) is located in the understorey initiation and stem exclusion phases. The results also showed that the total average volume of snags and logs was 41.5 m3·ha–1. Furthermore, the mean dead wood volume in decay classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 10.33, 12.22, 9.15 and 83.9 m3·ha–1, respectively. The average frequency of dead trees in the diameter classes smaller than 25 cm, 25–50 cm and in the diameter class more than 50 cm is 25.79, 6.93, and 4.88. The significance analysis results obtained by ANOVA test showed that there is a significant difference between volume, snag and log stock and the shape of dead wood in various dynamic phases. Therefore, in general, dead wood in the forest differs according to habitat, evolutionary stage (dynamic phases), standing volume and species diversity of the tree species.

Patient Perceptions of Planned Organ Removal During Hysterectomy

Previous reports indicate many women may not have a firm grasp on likely outcomes of different hysterectomy procedures. This study aimed to assess women's self-reported expectations of how they think their anatomy will change after hysterectomy.

Self-Perceived Halitosis and Associated Oral Hygiene Practices among Dental Students of National Ribat University Khartoum/Sudan

Background: Halitosis is the unpleasant odor that comes from the mouth; conditions intra-orally such as bad oral hygiene, poor restorations, gingival inflammation, and periodontal diseases contribute to halitosis. Successful treatment is connected to recognizing the related factors and treat them effectively. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the selfperceived halitosis prevalence, and associated oral hygiene practices among dental students from National Ribat University Khartoum/Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been carried out. A structured self-administered questionnaire was given to undergraduate healthy students. Chi-square was used to test differences between frequencies and to assess the correlation between halitosis self-perception and oral hygiene measures. Results: The study was carried out on 150 healthy dental students; 94 females and 56 males. Self-perceived malodor is more common among males (P=0.04). The use of commercial productsto alleviate bad breath, and mouthwash are more widespread among females (P=0.003, P=.002). Males reported a significantly higher prevalent malodor among relatives and more repeated bad breath when they did the hand on mouth test (P=0.02). Usage of toothpicks is more among males (P=0.02).Self-perceived bad breath significantly related to practices of oral hygiene involving regular brushing (P=0.01), flossing (P=0.000), mouthwash and toothpicks usage (P=0.000). Conclusion: Undergraduate students’ self-perceived malodor prevalence is comparable to the other studies. The knowledge about halitosis should be fostered, and the dental professionals should improve the health understanding in the society.

Migration, le bonheur ou un espoir idéalisé ? dans « Ulysse from Bagdad » d’Éric Emmanuel Schmitt

RESUME. Cet article rapporte les resultats d’analyse d’« Ulysse from Baghdad », le roman d’Eric Emmanuel Schmitt,  au point de vue de  la question de migration. Nous nous appuyons sur les idees d’Abdelmalek Sayad (1933-1998), sociologue de l’immigration, pour repondre aux questions suivantes : Quel est le motif de la migration ? D’ou vient le phenomene de la migration clandestine ? Quel est son impact sur la vie des refugies ? Comment cet effet socio-psychologique est-il presente a travers une œuvre litteraire ? Quel rapport entretient Schmitt avec ce phenomene cle de notre temps ? Quelle est notre responsabilite face a ce phenomene ? On deduit qu’il faut avant toute chose donner a tout homme la possibilite de vivre dans le respect de sa dignite dans son pays. On constatera aussi que l’auteur a incite les candidats au voyage clandestin a s’eloigner des illusions et a decider avec le bon sens. Mots-cles  : Abdelmalek Sayad, Bonheur, Migration, Responsabilite, Schmitt. ABSTRACT. This article reports the analytical findings of Eric Emmanuel Schmitt's novel, "Ulysses from Baghdad", from the point of view of the issue of migration. We rely on the ideas of Abdelmalek Sayad (1933-1998), sociologist of immigration, in order to answer the following questions: What is the reason for the migration? Where does the phenomenon of clandestine migration come from? What impact can migration have on the lives of refugees? How is this socio-psychological effect presented through a literary work? What relationship does Schmitt have with this key phenomenon of our time? What is our responsibility for this phenomenon? It is deduced that it is necessary above all to give to every man the possibility of living in the respect of his dignity in his country. It will also be noted that the author has encouraged candidates to travel underground to get away from illusions and to decide with common sense. Keywords : Abdelmalek Sayad, Happiness, Migration, Responsibility, Schmit.

Campylobacter Species Isolated from Chickens in Egypt: Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance

Awareness and Attitude Towards the Premarital Screening Programme Among High School Students in Muscat, Oman

This study aimed to explore high school students' awareness and attitude towards premarital screening (PMS).

THE ATTRIBUTES OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Two Rare Variants of Kaposi Sarcoma: Case Report

We reported two cases of immunocompetent patients with a rare form of AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS), without visceral involvement, presenting with an unusual clinical and histopathological picture called telangiectatic and lymphangioma-like KS, respectively. Dermatologists and pathologists need to be aware of this uncommon described variant to avoid the potential for misdiagnosis. © 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Acta Med Iran 2019;57(3):205-207.

Comorbidities in Iranian Obese Psoriatic Patients Compared With Non-Obese Patients

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is gradually being recognized as a systemic inflammatory disorder. Psoriasis and obesity are strongly linked, but there is not enough data whether obese psoriatic patients present differently from non-obese psoriatic patients. To compare the phenotype, clinical features, severity, baseline comorbidities and laboratory findings among psoriatic patients with/without obesity all the psoriatic patients, from three centers, who were receiving systemic therapy were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: those with obesity and those without obesity. We included 497 patients: 154 (31%) patients were obese and 343 (69%) were non-obese. Obese patients had more comorbidities, particularly hyperlipidemia, followed by hypertension and diabetes. Fasting blood sugar and serum lipids were significantly higher among obese subjects. Given the differences between obese patients and non-obese patients, the former group should be followed and managed more closely and with specific attention. © 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Acta Med Iran 2019;57(4):253-261.

A review on hypersensitivity reactions to fungal aeroallergens in patients with allergic disorders in Iran

Fungal agents account for the clinical manifestation of allergic disorders. The aim of the present study was to review the prevalence of hypersensitivity reactions to fungal aeroallergens in patients with allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, and eczema, in Iran. The initial literature search resulted in the identification of 50 records, 26 cases of which met the inclusion criteria. Regarding the methods adopted for the detection of fungal allergens, serum-specific IgE and skin prick tests were used in 6 and 20 studies, respectively. Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata sensitization was the most common allergic sensitization among the patients with allergic disorders. According to the reviewed studies, despite the humid climate of the north of Iran, fungal sensitization has a prevalence range of 5-70% in this region. In other regions, such as central and southern Iran, which have a dry and warm climate, fungal sensitization reportedly has a prevalence range of 5-65%. The prevalence of fungal sensitizations varies in different allergic disorders due to the factors related to geographic and genetic issues, gender, sample size, test operator, and assessment method.