An observational study on the current distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in different geographical zones of Iran and implication to health policy

Visceral leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases that is endemic in some parts of Iran. This study aimed to determine current distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in four distinct geographical zones of Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted using direct agglutination test (DAT) on 9396 and 2559 serum samples collected from humans and domestic dogs, respectively during the period of 2007 through 2009. Altogether, 403 (4.3%) out of 9396 human serum samples collected from 4 distinct geographical locations showed anti-Leishmania antibodies with titers ≥ 1:3200. Physical examinations performed on 142 sero-positive cases with anti-Leishmania antibodies at titers of 1: 3200 to 1:102400 among whom fever (94.4%), paleness (67.6%) and hepato-splenomegaly (42.2%) were the predominant clinical signs and symptoms. The highest sero-prevalence rate (1.55%) was found in children ≤ 5 years old. Out of 2559 serum samples collected from domestic dogs, 212 (8.3%) were DAT positive (≥ 1:320). Leishmania infantum is the principal causative agent of the disease was isolated from both infected humans and dogs in Iran. Our findings indicate that Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis with different distribution occurs in different geographical locations of Iran.     

Rosai‐Dorfman disease successfully treated with thalidomide: A case report

Rosai‐Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare disease which characterized by proliferation and overproduction of histiocytes in the lymph nodes appearing as lymphadenopathy, however, it may also occur in extranodal sites. The occurrence of unusual manifestations of the disease such as the appearance of the mass in an unusual area may increase the probability of misdiagnosis. Herein, we describe a case of RDD in an old woman with an unusual appearance of RDD in the leg that was successfully treated by thalidomide.     

Workflow for Visualization of Neuroimaging Data with an Augmented Reality Device

Commercial availability of three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality (AR) devices has increased interest in using this novel technology for visualizing neuroimaging data. Here, a technical workflow and algorithm for importing 3D surface-based segmentations derived from magnetic resonance imaging data into a head-mounted AR device is presented and illustrated on selected examples: the pial cortical surface of the human brain, fMRI BOLD maps, reconstructed white matter tracts, and a brain network of functional connectivity.