BackgroundApicomplexan parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium infect a wide range of animal species as well as humans. Cryptosporidium spp. can cause life threatening diarrhea especially in young animals, children, immunocompromised patients and malnourished individuals. Asymptomatic cryptosporidial infections in animals can also occur, making these animals potential reservoirs of infection.MethodsIn the present study, a molecular survey of Cryptosporidium spp. in ruminants that were slaughtered for human consumption in Yazd Province, located in central Iran was conducted. Faeces were collected per-rectum from 484 animals including 192 cattle, 192 sheep and 100 goats. DNA was extracted from all samples and screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. Positives were Sanger sequenced and further subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) locus.ResultsIn total, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 22 animals: C. andersoni and C. bovis in seven and two cattle faecal samples, respectively, C. ubiquitum in five sheep, and C. xiaoi in six sheep and two goat samples, respectively. To our knowledge, this study provides for the first time, molecular information concerning Cryptosporidium species infecting goats in Iran, and is also the first report of C. ubiquitum and C. xiaoi from ruminants in Iran.ConclusionThe presence of potentially zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium in ruminants in this region may suggest that livestock could potentially contribute to human cryptosporidiosis, in particular among farmers and slaughterhouse workers, in the area. Further molecular studies on local human populations are required to more accurately understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Cryptosporidium spp. in this region.

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Introduction: Professional belongingness is one of the most important aspects of students' clinical work experience. An understanding of the relation between students’ belongingness on clinical setting and their professional behavior can significantly aid in promoting their professional behavior. This study determined the correlation between nursing students’ dependence on the clinical setting and their professional behavior. Methods: This research is a descriptive analytical study in which 110 third and fourth year nursing students ‌ at Islamic Azad University, Yazd Branch, were included in the study as a sample. Sampling was done by census method. Data were collected using questionnaires of demographic with 9 items, Levett-Jones clinical belongingness with 34 items and Goze professional behavior with 27 items. These questionnaires have been used in several studies and their validity has been assessed using content validity and reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. After completion, the data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson, t-test) by SPSS software version 16. Result: The total score of professional behavior and clinical belongingness on clinical setting were 111.06 ± 16.38 and 118.69 ± 16.38, respectively. The subscales of efficiency (71.98 ±13.19), self-esteem (61/99 ± 11.56), and connectivity (42.62 ± 17.00) had the highest weight in the scores of clinical belongingness, respectively. Besides, there was a direct significant correlation between “belongingness on clinical setting and its dimensions” and “professional behavior”, based on Pearson correlation test (r = 548 and P = 0.000). Conclusion: The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between belonging and professional behavior. This means that with increasing belonging, professional behavior improves. Thus, educational decision-makers and instructors/educators can enhance nursing students’ professional behavior through using appropriate educational strategies and creating a supportive environment to increase feelings of belongingness clinical setting.

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