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The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of taeniid parasites and the specific detection of Echinococcus granulosus using copro-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in the stray dogs of Kerman, south-eastern Iran. From September 2013 to May 2014, faecal samples of stray dogs were collected from different parts of the city of Kerman and its suburbs. Faecal samples from dogs were collected randomly within 24 h of defecation. All samples were transferred to the research lab and coprological examinations were conducted by the formalin-ether concentration method. In the microscopically positive samples, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) specific primers were used to determine the taeniid identity of the infection. In addition, another set of primers was used for the specific diagnosis of E. granulosus sensu lato. In total, 307 faecal samples from stray dogs were examined for the presence of the parasites. Taeniidae eggs were detected in 34 dogs (11.07%). All 34 taeniid-positive specimens were PCR positive for cox1 (444 bp). Of all taeniid-positive specimens, 21 samples (6.8% of all dog specimens) were positive according to primers specific for E. granulosus. The findings of the present study revealed that canine echinococcosis is prevalent in the stray dogs in Kerman. The findings of the present study have important implications for hydatid control programmes in the area.

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Cancer treatment by chemotherapy exploits one or more anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Because of the various side effects of chemotherapy drugs, sensitive determination of these drugs is one of the greatest challenges of adjuvant therapy. This study introduced the preparation of a selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 /reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite and ionic liquid (IL) (Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 /rGO/ILCPE) to determine dasatinib in the presence of doxorubicin. Results showed very good electrocatalytic activities of Fe 3 O 4 @MoS 2 /rGO/ILCPE toward the oxidation of dasatinib in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) (pH 7.0). The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), chronoamperometry, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were employed for studying the electrochemical behaviors of dasatinib on the modified electrode. Based on the optimal condition, we observed a linear increase of the voltammetric current by enhancing the dasatinib concentration in ranges between 0.02 μM and 390.0 μM. The detection limit for the dasatinib was equal to 6.0 nM, based on 3S b / m. Moreover, the modified CPE was used for the detection of dasatinib in the presence of doxorubicin. The corresponding electrochemical signals emerged as two well-resolved oxidation peaks with the considerable peak potential differences of 0.38 V. Finally, dasatinib and doxorubicin detection in the real samples were estimated by examining the functionality of our new sensor that showed acceptable recovery.

Understanding dynamics of free-roaming dog (FRD) population is critical for planning and implementation of dog population management programs. FRD population size estimation as well as dynamic modeling of dog population under different female dog neutering interventions were investigated in order to determine the most appropriate animal birth control approach. We performed population size estimate of dogs using sight-resight surveys by photography in a randomly selected 25 blocks of the city and all the suburbs of greater Kerman area. Main demographic features were characterized and the dog density distribution was mapped. A dynamic model was developed to predict free-roaming dog population variations after 5 and 10 years. Different scenarios based on 10, 30, 50, 60 and 70% female dog sterilization were considered to predict the effects of animal birth control measures. Free roaming dog population was estimated at 6781 dogs (65.3% males) in Kerman and suburbs with several major population hotspots. Analysis of the dog locations within the city showed that the largest proportion of the dogs were observed in the vacant lots (46.2%). Modeling predictions indicated that, in the absence of management, the free-roaming dog population could increase from a baseline of 6781 to 13,665 dogs (2.02 fold increase) in 5 years and to 19,376 dogs in 10 years (2.86 fold increase). Using a population dynamics model, we simulated five neutering coverages to explore the impact of female neutering on free-roaming dog population size. The 5-year projections of the model have shown that 50% annual female dog sterilization significantly reduced free-roaming dog population by 0.44 comparing to the baseline population. Findings of the present study improve our knowledge on the nature and extent of dog population dynamics in Iran. Effective population control and selection of the most appropriate neutering interventions require a comprehensive knowledge of the characteristics and dynamics of FRD population.