Central Region Of Iran Research Articles

Multilocus Gene Analyses Indicate Tamarix aphylla as Reservoir Host of Diverse Phytoplasmas Associated with Witches' Broom and Yellowing Symptomatology.

Tamarisk witches' broom, yellowing, and little leaf symptoms were observed during 2018-2023 surveys of rural deserts in central regions of Iran with the highest disease incidence up to 72% in Chah Afzal (Yazd province). A verification of the presence and identity of phytoplasmas associated with these symptoms was then performed. Tamarisk tree branch cuttings obtained from symptomatic plants sprouted up to 90.3% but with 15-25 days' delay compared to the asymptomatic ones and showed internode shortening and witches' broom, while the branch cuttings from asymptomatic plants had normal growth and sprouted up to 97.8%. Phytoplasma transmission by dodder bridges to periwinkle did not succeed, while nested polymerase chain reaction on the phytoplasma ribosomal gene followed by RFLP and phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris', 'Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum', and 'Ca. P. trifolii' (ribosomal subgroups 16SrI-B, 16SrII-D, and 16SrVI-A, respectively) in the samples from symptomatic plants only. Further amplifications were performed on selected phytoplasma-positive samples on tuf and secA genes, and the produced sequences indicated the presence of mixed phytoplasma infection in some of the samples. In particular, in the tuf gene, a mixed infection of 'Ca. P. australasiae=australasiaticum' and 'Ca. P. trifolii' was detected, while in the secA gene, the presence of 'Ca. P. asteris' or 'Ca. P. tritici' strains was identified. The first-time detection of diverse phytoplasma strains in symptomatic T. aphylla suggests that this species represent a relevant source of infection for the agricultural crops and for landscape plants especially when temperature allows insect vector transmission, and therefore, it represents a risk in every environment especially in the frame of climatic changes.

Wastewater surveillance of antibiotic resistance and class 1 integron-integrase genes: Potential impact of wastewater characteristics on genes profile

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a major global health concern, but current surveillance efforts primarily focus on healthcare settings, leaving a lack of understanding about AR across all sectors of the One Health approach. To bridge this gap, wastewater surveillance provides a cost-effective and efficient method for monitoring AR within a population. In this study, we implemented a surveillance program by monitoring the wastewater effluent from two large-scale municipal treatment plants situated in Isfahan, a central region of Iran. These treatment plants covered distinct catchment regions and served a combined population about two million of residents. Furthermore, the effect of physicochemical and microbial characteristics of wastewater effluent including biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), temperature, total coliforms and Escherichia coli concentration on the abundance of ARGs (blaCTX-M, tetW, sul1, cmlA, and ermB) and class 1 integron-integrase gene (intI1) were investigated. Sul1 and blaCTX-M were the most and least abundant ARGs in the two WWTPs, respectively. Principal Component Analysis showed that in both of the WWTPs all ARGs and intI1 gene abundance were positively correlated with effluent temperature, but all other effluent characteristics (BOD, COD, TSS, total coliforms and E. coli) showed no significant correlation with ARGs abundance. Temperature could affect the performance of conventional activated sludge process, which in turn could affect the abundance of ARGs. The results of this study suggest that other factors than BOD, COD and TSS may affect the ARGs abundance. The predicted AR could lead to development of effective interventions and policies to combat AR in the clinical settings. However, further research is needed to determine the relationship between the AR in wastewater and clinical settings as well as the effect of other influential factors on ARGs abundance.

Assessment of Torque Teno Virus (TTV) Frequency in Healthy Blood Donors in the Central Region of Iran, Yazd.

Background: Torque teno virus (TTV) is a globally prevalent virus in humans, yet comprehensive knowledge about its prevalence, predominant transmission routes, and pathogenesis remains limited. This study aimed to assess the frequency of TTV infection among healthy blood donors in Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 236 healthy blood donors, devoid of HIV/HBV/HCV infection markers, participated in the study from 2015 to 2016. Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) utilizing a set of oligo primers for the 5΄- UTR region was employed to detect TTV DNA in serum samples. Results: The TTV genome was identified in 161 out of 236 (61.2%) healthy blood donors. The mean age for men and women was 43 and 57 years, respectively. Of the participants, 156 were male, and 107 were female. Donor age exhibited a significant association with virus presence (P=0.007); however, gender did not show a statistically significant association with the frequency of TTV infection in healthy blood donors (P=0.3). Conclusion: The study revealed a notably high frequency of the Torque teno virus in Yazd province, aligning with similar findings globally. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of the virus in the healthy population.

Cancer patterns in Iran: a gender-specific spatial modelling of cancer incidence during 2014–2017

BackgroundCancer is a significant public health concern and the second leading cause of death. This study aims to visualize spatial patterns of top common cancer types and identify high-risk and low-risk counties for these cancers in Iran from 2014 to 2017.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed 482,229 newly diagnosed cancer cases recorded by the Iranian National Population-Based Cancer Registry from 2014 to 2017. We employed a purely spatial scanning model and local Moran I analysis to explore spatial patterns across Iran.ResultsApproximately 53% of all cases were male. The average age of cancer diagnosis was 62.58 ± 17.42 years for males and 56.11 ± 17.33years for females. Stomach cancer was the most common cancer in men. The northern and northwestern regions of Iran were identified as high-risk areas for stomach cancer in both genders, with a relative risk (RR) ranging from 1.26 to 2.64 in males and 1.19 to 3.32 in females. These areas recognized as high-risk areas for trachea, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer specifically in males (RR:1.15–2.02). Central regions of Iran were identified as high-risk areas for non-melanoma skin cancers in both genders, ranking as the second most common cancer (RR:1.18–5.93 in males and 1.24–5.38 in females). Furthermore, bladder cancer in males (RR:1.32–2.77) and thyroid cancer in females (RR:1.88–3.10) showed concentration in the central part of Iran. Breast cancer, being the most common cancer among women (RR:1.23–5.54), exhibited concentration in the northern regions of the country. Also, northern regions of Iran were identified as high-risk clusters for colon cancer (RR:1.31–3.31 in males and 1.33–4.13 in females), and prostate cancer in males (RR:1.22–2.31). Brain, nervous system cancer, ranked sixth among women (RR:1.26–5.25) in central areas.ConclusionsThe study's revelations on the spatial patterns of common cancer incidence in Iran provide crucial insights into the distribution and trends of these diseases. The identification of high-risk areas equips policymakers with valuable information to tailor targeted screening programs, facilitating early diagnosis and effective disease control strategies.

What is the uptake rate of breast self-examination in Iranian women? Estimation based on systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundBreast self-examination is a simple, painless, confidential and inexpensive screening method for early diagnosis that does not require specialized tools and equipment. In this study, we have estimated the pooled percentage of breast self-examination (BSE) in Iranian women.MethodsAll the published literatures between 2012 and 2022 have been reviewed. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scientific Information and Magiran databases. The effect size was the pooled percentage of breast self-examination (BSE). In order to check the heterogeneity, the estimation of the I2 index and extraction of the Galbraith plot were used, and the drivers of heterogeneity have been identified through meta-regression and estimates were made based on subgroups. All the analysis was done in STATA 15.ResultsFrom the initial 294 records, 38 were included in the final analysis in which 9960 women have been studied. The heterogeneity of the studies was high based on the variation in OR (I2 = 98.4%, heterogeneity X2 = 2278.21 (d.f. = 37), p < 0.01). The pooled rate of BSE based on fixed and random methods was obtained as 15.46 (95% CI: 14.83 to 16.09) and 24.74 (95% CI: 19.62 to 29.86) percent, respectively. The highest pooled percentage BSE (39.41%, 95% CI: 30.98 to 47.83) was obtained from studies that investigated the action phase in the Trans theoretical model. The pooled percentage obtained from the studies conducted in the central regions of Iran was higher than other cities (27.47%, 95% CI: 17.38 to 37.55).ConclusionThe result from our analysis determined that performing breast self-examination in Iranian women is low. Health policy makers can increase the rate of breast self-examination in Iran by implementing basic educational programs in schools and encouraging and justifying women in social health centers.

Serological and Bacteriological Surveillance of Glanders Among Horses in Central Region of Iran.

Glanders is the oldest and very contagious disease among horses caused by Burkholderia mallei. The disease occurs as a chronic form in horses. Hence, because of the prolonged shedding, numerous horses can potentially get infected by one horse with glanders. Glanders is endemic in Iran and this causes occasional occurrence in horse population of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of B.mallei infection in horses in two central provinces of Iran. A total of 517 serum samples were collected from stable horses in Tehran and Alborz provinces. Among the studied horses, seven presented fever, anorexia, dyspnea, subcutaneous abscesses, nasal and cutaneous discharges, emaciation, and lymphadenopathy. Nasal and ocular discharges and subcutaneous abscesses were sampled for bacterial culture and PCR. The sera were examined by means of complement fixation test (CFT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Seropositive cases were further examined by Mallein test. The results derived from the present study indicated that only 1.35% of the studied horses were positive in CFT, iELISA and Mallein test, of which only in 42.85% B.mallei was successfully cultured on blood agar and glycerinated nutrient media and confirmed by PCR. Periodic serological tests along with quarantine can benefit reduction of the occurrence of the disease in horses in Iran.

Evaluation of the barriers and facilitators of iron supplementation program among adolescent females

Iron deficiency anemia is a major health problem in female adolescents; so, the iron supplementation program has been implemented in Iranian female high school students for nearly two decades. This study aimed to assess the barriers and facilitators of the program. This cross-sectional study was conducted by cluster random sampling with a sample size of 399 high school girls from the northern, southern, eastern, western and central regions of Iran. To collect data, we applied valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 software using the chi-squared test. From the students' point of view, the most important reasons for not taking iron supplements were the bad taste of iron supplements, nausea after consumption, and not prescription of the iron supplement by physicians. Most the students believed that inviting health care professionals and movies or clips had the greatest impact on encouraging students to take supplements. About 45% of students reported that educational programs were not held for them, and only 28% of students received educational content/educational media about iron supplement. Also, 71% of students reported that there are not enough glasses for the consumption of supplement iron. There were significant relationships between iron supplements distributors (deputy assistant: 22.6% vs. 14.1%, P=0.045), allocated enough time to intake iron supplements (72.0% vs. 37.1%, P<0.001), implemented the educational program in schools (61.8% vs. 33%, P<0.001), and the educator person of the program (health teachers: 42.7% vs. 35.7%, P=0.039) with consumption of iron supplement by the students. To achieve the goals of the program, it is necessary paying attention to various aspects of the program such as providing better quality iron supplements, providing more appropriate environmental conditions, designing more attractive training programs, strengthening general announcement, and employing more experienced executive staff.

Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in surface water and sediment of Zayandeh-rud river, Iran

Background: Zayandeh-rud river is the most important river in the central regions of Iran and the present study aimed to provide new insights into microplastics (MPs) pollution in surface water and sediments of this river. Methods: Water and sediment samples were collected in July 2021 from 19 sampling sites along the river. Organics matters were removed from the samples by wet peroxide oxidation (WPO), and MPs were extracted by floatation in ZnCl2 -saturated salt and filtration on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane filter. Trapped MPs on the filter were counted and qualified by a stereomicroscope. Results: MPs were found in 13 sites from 19 sampling sites along the river. The minimum and maximum levels of MPs in water samples were 0 and 51±16.5 particles/m3 , respectively. MPs also were detected in the sediments of all sampling sites except the first two sampling sites (the maximum level was 58±25.9 particles/kg as dry sediment). Fragments were the most common shape of MPs in both water and sediment samples. 72.3% of MPs detected in water samples were 1-5 mm in size, while this percentage for sediment was 49.2%. The five main polymer types found in water and sediment samples were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Conclusion: These levels of MPs in the water and sediments of Zayandeh-rud river and longtime persistence of plastics in the environment is a significant threat to environmental and human health and need serious attention to restrict MPs release into the river.

What are the Sustainable Water Policies in Central Regions of Iran? An Integrated Water Resource Management Model

The efficient and optimal management of water resources is of great importance due to the strong dependence of human life on water. Also, the availability and utilization of the existing water resources in regions with water shortages, such as the Middle East, impose high social, economic, and environmental costs. Therefore, water resource management policies should incorporate all aspects of supply, allocation, control, and monitoring of resources. This study provides a dynamic simulation model for water resource management in the Yazd province of Iran to examine the effect of different policies on the other variables and choose the most suitable policies over time. For this purpose, we used a system dynamics approach to propose an integrated water resources management model, considering a comprehensive view of different aspects. The proposed model included over 230 influential variables in water resources, along with economic, demographic, technological, agricultural, industrial, public policy-making, water demand-supply, and virtual water volume subsystems. After we validate the model, we define three scenarios (optimistic, baseline, and pessimistic) and four policy packages (i.e., business as usual, focusing on economic development, focusing on sustainable development based on ecological balance, and focusing on water conservation) in the time horizons of 10, 20, and 50 years. The simulation results indicated that we require a reform in the Yazd economic development strategies through policies such as changing the cropping pattern and reducing water-consuming industries. Moreover, water supply enhancement by raising the inter-basin transfer of water alone cannot be an effective solution for reducing the water shortage in Yazd province and may even worsen the water shortage in the long run. We conclude that the “Focus on Water Conservation” policy is the best solution to reduce water shortage. The results of the baseline scenario show that adopting the FWC policy changes the increasing trend of water shortage in the province and decreases them from more than 53 billion m3 in the “Business as Usual” policy to less than 20 billion m3 in the year 2040. As the FWC would decrease more than 10 billion m3 of the virtual water level imbalance compared to BAU policy and make more investments in water efficiency plans, it preserves the current resources of water in the long run.

A new method for green forage production: Energy use efficiency and environmental sustainability

In recent decades, hydroponic fodder has been widely used for livestock feed. Studying the energy indicators and life cycle assessment (LCA) of the hydroponic fodder can result in applying the best method for higher production with less environmental impacts. Hence the aims of this study are to evaluate energy and water use and environmental indicators for hydroponic fodder production in central region of Iran. Data collected using oral questionnaire from hydroponic fodder greenhouses in Isfahan province. The results demonstrated that total energy for production of one ton hydroponic fodder is 5060.40 MJ. Also energy ratio (ER) and energy productivity (EP) were calculated as 0.33 and 0.20 kg MJ −1 , respectively. The water productivity (WP) was about 287 kg m −3 which indicates that about 287 kg of forage is produced per each m 3 of water consumed. The results also showed that despite the many benefits of hydroponic fodder on livestock nutrition, its greenhouse cultivation imposes many adverse effects on the environment . Human health damage categories was calculated as 0.00434 DALY t −1 which was much more than other similar products. Cumulative exergy demand (CExD) results showed that the percentage of Non-renewable, fossil for hydroponic fodder production mainly result from electricity which can be decreased via using renewable energy (RE) technologies.

Genetic diversity of wild grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum Guss. ex Ten.) germplasm with ornamental potential in the central region of Iran

Grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum Guss ex Ten.) is one of the economically important species that can be cultivated as an ornamental crop as well as in pharmaceutical, food, and dyeing industries. In the present study, a total of 140 wild accessions of this species from central regions of Iran were evaluated using 29 morphological characteristics. Significant phenotypic variations were observed among the accessions; especially desirable variations were detected for commercial traits such as peduncle length, peduncle diameter, length and width of leaf, inflorescence length, inflorescence density, floral scent, and bulblet number. The highest variability corresponded to floral scent, bulblet number, inflorescence shape, peduncle color, and inflorescence color. Coefficient of variation (CV) was the lowest for bulb length /bulb diameter, floret length, bulb diameter, and bulb length. Peduncle length, the most important feature of cut flower, varied from 7.5 to 25.2 cm with an average of 14.7. Bottommost leaf length ranged from 5.8 to 30 cm, while bottommost leaf width varied from 1 to 6 mm. Inflorescence length varied from 6 to 37 mm with an average of 19, while inflorescence diameter ranged from 1 to 16 mm. Senjegan-8 accession with the highest values for inflorescence length, inflorescence density, and rate for the length of peduncle was one of the superior accessions. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the first seven components of data accounted for 70.92% of the total variance. Scatter plot showed high level of phenotypic diversity among the studied accessions. Some of the superior accessions such as Rudbaran-8, Rudbaran-20, Rudbaran-45, and Rudbaran-56 were separated from others in scatter plot and characterized by the highest values for inflorescence density, bulblet number, bulb length, and bulb diameter. According to ornamental potential, five accessions, including Senjegan-8, Rudbaran-8, Rudbaran-20, Rudbaran-45, and Rudbaran-56 can be utilized in breeding programs.

Synergistic Evaluation of Passive Microwave and Optical/IR Data for Modelling Vegetation Transmissivity towards Improved Soil Moisture Retrieval.

Vegetation cover and soil surface roughness are vital parameters in the soil moisture retrieval algorithms. Due to the high sensitivity of passive microwave and optical observations to Vegetation Water Content (VWC), this study assesses the integration of these two types of data to approximate the effect of vegetation on passive microwave Brightness Temperature (BT) to obtain the vegetation transmissivity parameter. For this purpose, a newly introduced index named Passive microwave and Optical Vegetation Index (POVI) was developed to improve the representativeness of VWC and converted into vegetation transmissivity through linear and nonlinear modelling approaches. The modified vegetation transmissivity is then applied in the Simultaneous Land Parameters Retrieval Model (SLPRM), which is an error minimization method for better retrieval of BT. Afterwards, the Volumetric Soil Moisture (VSM), Land Surface Temperature (LST) as well as canopy temperature (TC) were retrieved through this method in a central region of Iran (300 × 130 km2) from November 2015 to August 2016. The algorithm validation returned promising results, with a 20% improvement in soil moisture retrieval.

Serological and Bacteriological Surveillance of Glanders Among Horses in Central Region of Iran

Serological and Bacteriological Surveillance of Glanders Among Horses in Central Region of Iran

Correlation between autoantibodies and internal organs involvement in Iranian systemic sclerosis patients

Introduction: Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disease that leads to fibrosis of the skin and different internal organ. Several autoantibodies can predict disease course and differences among various races. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between autoantibodies and scleroderma organ involvement among the population living in the central region of Iran. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which we reviewed the medical records of patients in the Al-Zahra hospital systemic sclerosis (SSc) clinic in Isfahan. We used the EUROLINE Systemic Sclerosis panel test kit to detect antibody profiles of patients in blood samples. The pertinent physical findings and laboratory data showing organ involvement were extracted from the hospital medical records. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled in our study (40 patients were women). We found a significant correlation between Scl-70 and diffuse scleroderma, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and cardiac involvement. Anti-centromere antibodies CENP-A correlated with limited scleroderma and digital ulcers. PM/Scl75, PM/Scl100, Ku, and Ro52 autoantibodies correlated with the presence of tendon friction rub. Anti-Th/To is associated with a higher prevalence of myopathy. Cardiomyopathy was more common among patients with higher levels of NOR-90, anti-Th/To, PM/Scl100, Ku, and Ro52 autoantibodies. The remained autoantibodies showed no significant correlation with the clinical features of SSc. Conclusion: Some autoantibodies in this study predict organ damage in Iranian scleroderma patients.

Xalach tili va uning o‘zbek tili bilan ayrim yaqinliklari to‘g‘risida

Khalach is distinguished among the Turkic nations by a distinctive language and a rich past of various realities. Today, living on the central regions of Iran, living nomadic life, this nation took part in the ethnic Union of several society of Central Asia and its neighbor regions. Especially among the Turkic peoples - the Turkmen, the Uzbek, the Anatolian Turks, as well as among the Afghans, many ethnic terms associated with them have been preserved. In the early Middle Ages, the Khalachs, who lived in the Yettisuw (Semirech’e) country, moved to the sides of Afghanistan and Northern India (Pakistan) between the VI–VIII centuries AD, forming their own political associations here. The role of Khalch’s in the establishment of several Turkic dynasties in these countries has a separate place. The presence of a large number of written sources in the old Indian, Chinese, Bactrian, Arabic, Persian and Turkic is proof of that.

A prospective population-based study of stroke in the Central Region of Iran: The Qom Incidence of Stroke Study.

Based on the few population-based studies that have been conducted in the Middle East, we determined the incidence of stroke in Qom, one of the central provinces of Iran. The Qom province includes an estimated at-risk population of about 1 million. During a 12-month period (November 2018-November 2019), all first-ever strokes occurring in the target population were registered. Hospitalized cases were ascertained by discharge codes. Out-of-hospital cases were ascertained by a prospective screening of emergency medical services, emergency departments, ambulances records, primary care clinics, rural and urban public health centers, primary care physician offices, and neurologists' offices. Crude and age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years) were calculated. During the study period, 1462 first-ever strokes occurred with a mean age of 68.1 (17-103) years; of these 45.2% were females (661 cases). The crude annual incidence rate per 100,000 at-risk populations was 145.4 (95% confidence interval, 138.1-153.0) for all types of stroke (156.5 for males and 134.3 for females), 26.4 (95% confidence interval, 23.5-29.8) for hemorrhagic stroke, and 114 (95% confidence interval, 105-121) for ischemic stroke. The incidence rate adjusted to the world population was 201.4 (95% confidence interval, 193-210) per 100,000 at-risk populations (adj incidence, 218.5 for males vs 187.4 for females). The total fatality rate during the first 28 days was 19.6%. This study states that in this region there is a high incidence of stroke, which occurs at a younger age than the global average. There was a high prevalence of underlying stroke risk factors.

Evaluation of sensitive and tolerant cultivars of barley to salt stress using tolerance indices in central regions of Iran

Background and objectives: Undoubtedly, one of the biggest human challenges in the present age is food security, and salinity stress is one of the main obstacles to achieve this goal. In this regard, this experiment was conducted with the aim of selecting tolerance barley cultivar(s) to salinity stress and identifying tolerance mechanisms in new and old barley cultivars. Materials and Methods: This experiment was carried out during the two years of 2016-17 in the Milshbar Ardakan region located in Yazd province. Experimental treatments included 9 six-rowed barley cultivars including Nik, Mehr, Khatam, Reyhan, Goharan, Nosrat, Morocco, Afzal and Fajr 30 cultivars in three levels of irrigation water salinity including 4, 10 and 14 dS/m were evaluated as a split plot experimental design so that water salinity as the main plots and cultivars as a sub-plots were randomly placed. The studied traits included yield and yield components. At the maturity stage, several plants were selected from each experimental plot and sodium and potassium were measured. Results: The results showed that salinity and cultivar treatment had a significant effect on the yield and yield components including number of seeds per spike, number of spikes per square meter and 1000-kernel weight. Salinity stress reduced grain yield components and among the studied cultivars, Nik, Mehr, Khatam and Reyhan cultivars had higher yield and yield components. Among the salinity treatments, the highest grain yield was obtained at 4 dS/m with 5770.64 kg/ha. With increasing salinity to 10 and 14 dS/m, grain yield decreased by 18.04 and 27.55%, respectively, and reached to 4729.29 and 41.8080 kg/ha. Among the studied cultivars, the highest grain yield was obtained in Nik with 5317.7 kg/ha and Mehr, Khatam and Reyhan were not significantly different with this cultivar. In salinity of 10 dS/m, the lowest grain yield variation were obtained in Goharan and Mehr cultivars and in salinity of 14 dS/m it was in Mehr and Afzal cultivars. The highest STI index in salinity of 10 compared to 4 dS/m was calculated in Nik and Mehr cultivars with 0.922 and 0.921, respectively. The highest value of this index in salinity 14 compared to 4 dS/m was also obtained in Nik and Khatam cultivars with 0.882 and 0.858, respectively. Conclusion: Considering the amount of sodium and potassium absorbed by the plant and the K/Na ratio, it seems that tolerant cultivars cope with salinity stress by the mechanism of potassium uptake and excretion of sodium and regulation of cell osmotic potential. In general, among the studied cultivars, Nik, Mehr and Khatam cultivars had higher stress tolerance indices of STI, MP, Tol and these cultivars can be used for cultivation in saline lands of the region as well as for hybridization and breeding programs.

Assessment of longitudinal and cross-sectional effects of age on adult obesity in an Iranian population: results of a large population-based cohort study

Background: The risk of obesity commonly changes with age, which is a longitudinal (aging) effect. Moreover, the individuals who enter the study at the same age have similar living conditions that may influence their obesity risk in a particular way; this is a cross-sectional effect. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of age should be considered for a better understanding of the effect of age on obesity and the related factors. Objectives: The present study aimed to (i) assess both the cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of age on obesity and (ii) determine how obesity changes with age in the target population using a Marginal Logistic Regression (MLR) model. Materials and Methods: The current study made use of the information of individuals who had participated in the Isfahan Cohort Study. Participants were a large group of Iranian adults over 35 years of age who lived in the central region of Iran in 2001. Repeated measurements were obtained in 2001, 2007, and 2013. Results: From 2001 to 2013, the percentage of obesity in men and women raised from 13% and 31% to 18% and 44%, respectively. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of age were significantly associated with the odds ratio of obesity. There was a rise in the probability of obesity for individuals aged 35-60 years at baseline and a decline for the older ones. The odds of obesity had about a 2% increase (on average) per year, regardless of the baseline age. Conclusion: The obtained results pointed to a difference between the cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of age on the probability of obesity in the target population. The high and rising prevalence of obesity was a serious public health issue among participants, especially women, aged 35-60 years. The assessment of changes in obesity in a population-based study provides opportunities to target subpopulations that need more care and attention in public health interventions

First report of Spirocerca lupi larva in dung beetles (Scarabaeus armeniacus) in the central region of Iran: A morphological and molecular identification

Dung beetles as detritivores insects, naturally use feces of vertebrates as foods and reproduction beds. This leads to frequent contacts between dung beetles and parasitic helminths. The current study was carried out to assess infections of dung beetles with larval stages of helminths in rural areas of Taleqan County, Alborz Province, Iran. A total number of 200 dung beetles were collected randomly in June 2017 from the highlands of Taleqan County. Beetles were dissected in normal saline and carefully studied using a stereomicroscope. Morphological characteristics of the recovered larvae were drawn using a camera lucida equipped microscope at 400× magnification. Then, genomic DNAs of the recovered larvae extracted and PCR amplifications of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene were carried out and the amplicons were sequenced. All collected dung beetles identified as Scarabaeus armeniacus from the Scarabaeidae family (55.5 % were male and 44.5 % female). Three females of the beetles have been found to be naturally infected with the third stage larvae of Spirocerca lupi. The average length and width of the larvae were 2.95 (2.81–3.15; CI 95 %) and 0.12 (0.1–0.15; CI 95 %) mm, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis showed that S. lupi belonged to a clade within the Spirocercidae family. In the current study, S. armeniacus introduced as a potential biological vector for transmission of S. lupi to vertebrates in the region. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on the larval stages of S. lupi in S. armeniacus.

Temporal trends of incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Razavi Khorasan Province, Northeast Iran.

The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Persian Gulf countries has been significantly increasing during the past decades. This study was conducted for investigating the prevalence and incidence of MS in Northeast Iran (Khorasan Razavi province). This cross-sectional study was conducted during 1 January 1988 and 23 September 2018. All patients with a clinically definite diagnosis of MS according to the McDonald criteria (2005) and MRI along with the medical diagnosis, recorded in the Khorasan MS society, were considered for calculation of crude and age-standardized prevalence, and incidence rates of MS. The periodic incidence rates were calculated based on the year of onset of MS. Also, we calculated gender ratios for prevalence and incidence rates. The mean age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates of MS in the Khorasan Razavi were 8.69 (95% CI 8.05-9.41) per 100,000 (3.99 (95% CI 3.39-4.74) for males, 13.49 (95% CI 12.37-14.76) for females). Age-standardized prevalence was 48.87 (95% CI 48.37-49.35) per 100,000 (22.47 (95% CI 22.01-22.93) for males, 75.65 (95% CI 74.80-76.51) for females). Also, the mean incidence and prevalence for Mashhad County as capital of province were 11.38 and 59.09 per 100,000 populations, respectively. The female/male ratio was 3.33 for all age groups. Our results showed that this region is a high-risk area for MS like central region of Iran. Our results revealed that the prevalence and incidence of MS in the study area have increased during the recent decades with a sharp slope.