Investigation In Iran Research Articles

Predictors of Life Satisfaction: A Nationwide Investigation in Iran

Iran is a developing country with low levels of economic development and globalization and is ruled by a theocratic government. To address the lack of national research on well-being in Iran, this retrospective observational study aims to examine life satisfaction and its main determinants among Iranian adults. Using World Gallup Poll data collected between 2006 and 2017, we examined life satisfaction as a cognitive aspect of subjective well-being in relation to various factors. Our results show that income is the strongest predictor of life satisfaction, followed by standard of living, gender, social support, age, negative affect, and education. In developing countries such as Iran, which face significant economic, political, and social challenges, individuals prioritize the satisfaction of basic needs by emphasizing factors such as the socioeconomic status. In contrast, developed countries with established welfare systems may emphasize other values such as social connections and healthy lifestyle behaviors as key factors in life satisfaction. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the determinants of life satisfaction in Iran and provides insights for future research and policy making.

Evaluating the disaster preparedness of emergency medical services (EMS) facilities: a cross-sectional investigation in Iran

IntroductionThe preparedness of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) plays a crucial role in managing health disaster risks. This study was conducted to assess the disaster preparedness of EMS facilities in Iran, using a nationally reliable tool.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2021 to evaluate the disaster preparedness of EMS facilities in Iran using a national standard tool. The census sampling approach was utilized to select the samples, and descriptive statistics, as well as analytical statistics like the independent t-test and Pearson’s correlation test, were used to analyze the data using SPSS-18 software.ResultsThe findings of this study revealed that the majority of EMS facilities in Iran possess a moderate level of preparedness in dealing with disasters. Also, the results indicate that EMS facilities have an average level of preparedness against disasters in all dimensions except for “coordination and cooperation” and “surge capacity”.ConclusionAccording to this study, the majority of EMS facilities in Iran are exposed to different disasters. Furthermore, the findings indicate that while EMS facilities are generally prepared to respond to disasters at an average level, there are some important preparedness gaps in dimensions like response capacities, coordination, and cooperation. Thus, specific strategies, standards, and procedures must be developed and disseminated by the National Medical Emergency Organization.

EFL teachers’ perceptions of emotional literacy: A phenomenological investigation in Iran

The importance of emotional literacy (EL) in education is widely acknowledged, but the English as a foreign language (EFL) context has not been extensively investigated regarding how EFL teachers perceive their EL. To address this gap, this study adopted a phenomenological research design to explore EFL teachers' perceptions of EL in the Iranian EFL context. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 22 EFL teachers at secondary high schools in Borujerd City, including 14 males and 8 females. The required data were collected through reflective statements, classroom observations, and post-class discussions. The study's findings generated two overarching themes regarding the essence of EL: individual aspects (e.g., being motivated, being self-regulated, and being emotionally aware) and social aspects (e.g., being empathetic and being socially skilled). The results suggest that EL should be incorporated into pre-service and in-service teacher training programs to promote their teaching efficacy.

Association of polymorphism of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-6 with Toxoplasma gondii infection susceptibility in HIV/AIDS patients in Shiraz, southern Iran.

Toxoplasma gondii infection is considered as one of the most important opportunistic infections and cause of death in HIV patients. In this cross-sectional study, 334HIVpositive patients were included. The molecular test was performed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction method. Allelic frequency, haplotype analyses, and linkage disequilibrium were calculated. The odds ratio was calculated. The linear regression model was used to analysis of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F, and IL-6 single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes in HIV patients with and without toxoplasmosis. In total, 95 tested'patients (28.4%) were positive for toxoplasmosis. The risk of toxoplasma infection in the current study did not correlate with IL-17 and IL-6 polymorphism and the risk of contracting toxoplasma was also not significantly correlated in this study. There was no association between the frequency of alleles and the risk of toxoplasma infection in IL-17 haplotype analysis. The findings of this study revealed that there were significant differences in the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-17A, but not IL-17F, between the case and control groups in various genetic models. However, these polymorphisms did not show a significant relationship with toxoplasma infection in HIV-positive patients. This study represents the first investigation in Iran to explore the role of IL-6 and IL-17 polymorphisms in toxoplasma infection among HIV-positive patients.

Genetic Characterizations of the Iranian Honey Bee (Apis mellifera meda Skorikov 1929) Populations Using the Microsatellite DNA Markers.

The genetic characterization of the Iranian honey bee was investigated by analyzing 10 polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci in 300 honey bee samples representative of twenty Iranian provinces. This study evaluated the heterozygosity (Ho and He), the Shannon index, the number of observed alleles, and F-statistics among tested populations as genetic parameters. Our finding demonstrated that the Iranian honey bee populations were described by low genetic diversity in terms of the number of observed alleles, Shannon index, and Heterozygosity values. Most populations had significant deviations from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium cause of heterozygote shortage. Low FST and FIS values proposed the absence or very low genetic diversity within and among A. m. meda populations in the present study. The cluster analysis has categorized the honey bee samples gathered from various regions of Iran into two main groups, including honey bees in the North-West (i.e., North, Northwest, and West) provinces and honey bees in the East-South (i.e., Eastern North, Central part, and Southern) provinces of Iran. Our results also revealed lower genetic differentiation and heterozygosity among tested honey bee populations. The results from this study are consistent with previous investigations in Iran, alarming the loss of genetic diversity in the Iranian honey bee populations, which leads to more homozygosity. This study presented new data and reports on genetic structure in investigated native Iranian honey bee populations, and it will benefit future studies on selection, native biodiversity preservation and other conservation breeding projects.

Molecular study on nematode infection in sheep abomasa: a regional investigation in Iran and Iraq.

Gastrointestinal nematodes are leading causes of loss in livestock and are the primary restriction to its profitable production, worldwide. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and diversity of sheep abomasum nematode species in Urmia (Iran) and Soran (Iraq) slaughterhouses from October 2019 to January 2021. A total of 280 abomasa (each city 140 samples) were randomly collected from the slaughtered sheep. The abomasal content and mucosa were removed and washed. The collected nematodes were morphologically identified. Genomic DNA was extracted from identified nematodes and a fragment from the internal transcribed spacer 2 ribosomal ribonucleic acid (ITS2-rDNA) gene was amplified. In Urmia city, two species including Teladorsagia circumcincta (40.7%), and two morphotypes of Marshallagia species; Marshallagia marshalli (35.0%) and M. trifida (4.3%) were identified. In Urmia city, 52.9% of the examined sheep were infected with at least one species of nematodes. The overall prevalence of abomasa infection with nematodes in Soran city was 91.4%. In the examined sheep abomasa in Soran city, four species of nematodes were identified, including Marshallagia species with two morphotypes, M. marshalli (85.0%) and M. trifida (20.7%), Teladorsagia circumcincta (32.1%), Parabronema skrjabini (1.4%), and Haemonchus contortus (0.7%). Except for H. contortus, all the other identified nematode species were confirmed using molecular techniques. It was concluded that abomasal nematode infections are widespread in sheep particularly in Soran city. Marshallagia marshalli and T. circumcincta were most prevalent nematodes in both regions. In addition, further molecular studies are recommended to understand the intra-specific variations in the genus Marshallagia and more accurate identification of morphotypes in these regions.

Phytochemical analysis and anticancer activity of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh growing in Moghan plain, northwest of Iran

BackgroundFalcaria vulgaris Bernh among the most important member of Apiaceae family has been used for medical investigation in Iran and some regions in the world. This plant possesses a range of coumarin and flavonoids compounds that have many therapeutic properties such as gastrointestinal and liver diseases, skin ulcers, gastric ulcers, and intestinal inflammation. It has also been found that these compounds lead to cytotoxic effects.ObjectiveThis study contains concentrates on the cytotoxic effect and induction of apoptosis on cancerous cells (SW-872) through various extracts and essential oil of Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. It considers the volatile compounds of effective samples.MethodsThe shoot of the plant was extracted by the Soxhlet apparatus and its essential oil was taken by the Clevenger apparatus. The cytotoxicity of the samples was evaluated by the MTT method and the mechanism of cancer cell death by flow cytometry and finally, the volatile compounds of essential oils and effective extracts were identified by GC-MS.ResultsThe results demonstrated that n-Hexane extract and 40% VLC fraction had the greatest cytotoxic effect on SW-872 cells. While, the most abundant volatile compounds in essential oil and 40% VLC fraction of n-Hexane extract were terpenoid compounds like (+) spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide, in n-Hexane extract tetradecan, and spathulenol were the most, respectively.ConclusionThe fraction of 40% n-Hexane was in a concentration-dependent manner and significantly with controlling cells inhibited the growth of cancer cells. A plausible explanation could be made to account for this effect. This inhibition was made through induction of apoptosis and due to the presence of effective volatile compounds such as terpenoids and non-terpenoids which could be considered as valuable natural sources for the isolation of anti-cancer compounds.

Influenza vaccination coverage and obstacles in healthcare workers (HCWs) and the follow up of side effects: a multicenter investigation in Iran.

SummaryIntroductionSeasonal influenza is an annual common occurrence in cold seasons; but the COVID-19 pandemic is also currently ongoing. These two diseases can’t be distinguished from their symptoms alone; therefore, the importance of preventing influenza by vaccination is more than ever. Due to the high exposure of hospital personnel, widespread influenza vaccination of these high-risk groups seems to be a necessity. This Study conducted to determine vaccination coverage in the personnel of four tertiary referral collegiate hospitals in 2019 and to further investigate individual obstacles for Influenza vaccination.MethodsIn this cross-sectional descriptive study, 637 personnel were selected randomly from distinctive hospitals in a list-wised. Ones vaccinated filled the side effects questionnaire and who not vaccinated filled the vaccination obstacles questionnaire. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences with this reference number: IR.TUMS.IKHC.REC.1398.218ResultsThe mean vaccination coverage was 29.4% and the coverage difference among centers was not statistically significant (p = 0.192). The following items had the most impact on personnel decision: confidence about one’s immune system (p < 0.05), the experience of side effects from previous vaccinations (p = 0.011), attitude about vaccination in colleagues (p = 0.021) and work experience (p < 0.05). About 23% of vaccinated individuals reported side effects following vaccination and the most common side effect was mild cold symptoms with 12.3% prevalence.ConclusionThe results of the current study revealed that influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs is not satisfactory in Iran. Hospital authorities and infection control units should plan to remove the obstacles of influenza vaccination.

Background of Achieving a Realistic Legislative Criminal Policy in Iranian Penal Laws

For a criminal policy, in the broadest sense, to be successful and compatible with a realistic view of the criminal phenomenon in the field of pragmatism judgment and to achieve its objectives, it needs a background which, in its absence, not only laws based on realistic criminal policy fail, but their application in such a situation will cause a double damage to society: legal and moral. Apply methods of social prevention in the economic and cultural dimension, observing the principle of minimum criminal law, the mandatory anticipation of the presentation of a personality profile in all crimes committed and finally, the establishment of a care administration to comply with the implementation of realistic laws in the best possible way. It is concluded that this path that combines criminal policy and pragmatic legal realism is one of the desired areas in question in the field of criminal investigation in Iran. This research, which is conducted using the content analysis method, identifies the background for the implementation and enforcement of a realistic legislative criminal policy in Iran to remove obstacles to this advanced scientific knowledge.

Identification of fungi from soil and sediment in Jefriz Cave; the first survey in a cave from Iran

The aim of this study was to characterize the mycobiota in soil and sediment samples of Jefriz cave in Kerman, Iran. During 2018−2019, the culturable mycobiota from several sites within the Jefriz cave, resulted in 82 fungal isolates. Morphological characteristics of the isolates, as well as molecular sequence data, were used for species identifications. The fungi were identified as species of Fusarium, Fusicolla, Geomyces (Pseudogymnoascus), Humicola, Chalastospora, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Epiciccum, Podospora and Mucor. The most prevalent was Aspergillus spelunceus, followed by Geomyces pannorum and Humicola grisea. The majority of these species have been reported as cave residents in previous studies of cave environments. Our data showed that the fungal community composition varied between the samples from the entrance and less visited sites deeper in the cave. This study is the first cave mycological investigation in Iran, and one of the identified species is reported for the first time from a cave.

Molecular Epidemiology of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with different malignant diseases, such as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and lymphoproliferative disorders. Patients with hematologic malignancies by variable severity could be suspected for the infection with different types of this virus. This preliminary study reported the genotyping and related viral load of Epstein-Barr virus in Iranian patients with hematologic malignancies for estimation of possible factors affecting malignancy. Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of HL (n=20), NHL (n=29), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) (n=18) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (n=12) were obtained. After DNA extraction, a nested-PCR and a conventional-PCR targeting EBNA-2 and EBNA-3C genes were performed. A real-time PCR assay for viral load quantitation carried out. Standard curve analysis used for evaluation of amplification specificity. Results:Of 79 included patients, 34 (43%) were EBV positive. There were 23.5% (8/34), 38.2% (13/34), 23.5% (8/34), 14.8% (5/34) in HL, NHL, ALL and CLL groups, respectively. Also, the main genotype was genotype I (91.2%) which it follows by 8.8% (3/34) genotype II. The real-time PCR assay showed the mean viral load ± std. deviation was 2.75×105 ± 1.202×106 copies/μg DNA and the higher viral load was seen in NHL patients. Conclusion:This preliminary investigation in Iran shows that the main EBV genotype into our region probably is genotype I (91.2%) which it is similar to others. We could not find any statistically significant association between the virus infection and viral load with any specific disease and patients’ demographic data.

Key success factors for logistics provider enterprises: an empirical investigation in Iran

PurposeThis study aims to determine the key success factors of logistics provider enterprises in Iran, a country which has a significant potential for logistics activities among the Middle East countries, and connects the Asian, European and African logistics networks.Design/methodology/approachThis study is an applied one in terms of goal and descriptive according to the data collection method. Survey analysis is conducted with 130 Iranian logistics provider firms. The 119 responses to the questionnaire are evaluated statistically, and thereafter, analytic hierarchy process and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methods are used to prioritize the obtained key success factors.FindingsA comprehensive list of logistics provider firms’ key success factors are provided according to literature and opinion of experts. Among the aforementioned list, the authors found that management and leadership, internationalization and the competence of employees are the most important key success factors of logistics provider firms in Iran.Originality/valueThis is the first research that studies the key success factors of logistics provider firms in Iran. As Iran is an important intermediate country in the Middle East logistics corridor, it is worthy for practitioners and investors to know about success factors of logistics provider companies in Iran. In fact, focusing on the key success factors determined in this research assures the competitiveness of logistics provider firms in Iran. Moreover, the results can be also useful for some other countries in the Middle East such as Turkey and Emirates and can be used to enhance the logistical performance of the Middle East logistics network.

Investigating the Use of Human Albumin in a Non-Teaching Hospital in Iran.

Albumin is an expensive drug which imposes relatively high cost on the health care system. Doing ABC analysis in Shahid Motahari Hospital, it was revealed that albumin is categorized in class A. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the pattern of albumin use and the physicians' adherence to evidenced-based albumin guidelines in this large general non-teaching hospital in Shiraz, Iran. This study is an observational retrospective research on drug utilization. All patients admitted to Shahid Motahari hospital that had received albumin during the study period of one year (December 2013 to December 2014), were included in the study. To evaluate the appropriate use of albumin, an internal guideline was prepared using several evidence-based guidelines. Prescriptions were considered correct and appropriate if they were compliant with the standard guideline. The result of this study indicated that about 87.3% of patients had received albumin improperly. Nephrotic syndrome without hypoalbuminemia (23.6%) was the most prevalent reason for albumin misuse and internal ward was the most consuming unit. The findings of this study, similar to those of previous investigations in Iran, revealed the high percentage of inappropriate albumin usage in Iranian teaching and non-teaching hospitals. Regarding the high cost and short supply of this drug, educating physicians through educational programs to best implement the standard guidelines is highly recommended.

Physicians' Knowledge about Radiation Dose in Radiological Investigation in Iran.

Although ionizing radiation is very important in diagnostic and treatment of many diseases, the hazards of this radiation are considerable and irrefutable. One of the main stages in radiation protection is knowledge about radiation dose in radiological investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the physicians' knowledge in radiological examinations. The data collected by questionnaire were designed and the most commonly requested radiological investigations were listed. The questionnaire was distributed among 106 consultant physicians. The survey was conducted on the awareness about the radiation dose and risks among health professionals in Iran. The results indicated that the majority of physicians did not know about ionizing radiation and evaluation of absorbed dose in patients. Many of these physicians were not aware of radiations risks and the most important aspects of radiation protection; although, they have passed some courses in radiobiology and medical physics. Since radiological examinations play an indispensable role in medicine, knowledge about radiation doses and hazards is very important. Generally, this study showed that knowledge of radiation doses is inadequate among physicians.

The Comparative of Study Culpable Rights in Preliminary Investigation in Iran and Turkey

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;The preliminary investigation to determine the fate of the victims and the defendants ' judicial rights of the victims and the criminal justice is of special importance. The preliminary investigation of the center of gravity of the interrogation of suspects. Considering the necessity of supporting the principle of presumed innocence and preserve human dignity in the hearing process, the main lines of the meanwhile defensive rights defendants at the stage of preliminary investigation determined. Examples of the rights of the defense and legal formalities and job maker Iran and Turkey in the interrogation system varied. However, what is the condition for this is that a fair hearing in accordance with the principles of this extension should be anticipated and mandated. The legal rights of the accused is guaranteed set in the level of national, regional or international, and with the aim of adopting a decision in a fair and judicial errors than to keep away from people who are offence, in order to be exposed to. Including these rights can be charge with its reasons, the right to have a lawyer, the right to silence, a prohibition of delay and procrastination in charge after arrest or summons, the right note, the right to health in statements against torture questioned. Meanwhile, In the system of criminal procedure if what legislator to some of the aforementioned rights in its rules on match point but the hearing system in Turkey, including in particular anticipating the unconditional right to have a lawyer, the right to prohibit the delay in charges and the right to an annulment of the flawed investigation and classified problems. Obviously fix the defects and its assignment to investigation compliance under the law is just and fair hearing flow will be extremely helpful.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Population data of 13 nonCODIS STR markers located inside the 6 nonsyndromic oculocutaneous albinism genes.

Allele frequencies and forensic statistics of 13 autosomal short tandem repeat loci were estimated in 56 unrelated Iranian individuals. Except for two loci which were monomorph, a total of 5-11 alleles at each locus were observed and altogether 94 alleles for all selected loci were found. Our results show that 11 out of 13 nonCODIS STR loci are polymorphic and can be useful for human identification and kinship analysis and relationship investigations in Iran.

Dermatophytosis Due to Trichophyton verrucosum and T. mentagrophytes

Here, I wish to comment that the taxonomy x of dermatophytes has recently been revolutionized and a new taxonomy was internationally established [1]. Indeed, to update the mycologic data in all aspects of dermatophytosis the new taxa should be considered. Our recent sequencebased investigations in Iran [2,3] and some unpublished data obviously indicate that currently most of the strains morphologically identified as T. verrucosum are, in fact, T. verrucosum var. autotrophicum (Figure 1) which recently regarded to be conspecific with T. interdigitale [1]. Additionally, almost all entities phenotypically quoted as T. mentagrophytes are actually the old taxa of T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes or var. granulosum which currently synonymized with T. interdigitale species [1,4].

Sohrab Sepehri's Imaginative Voyage from Negative Romanticism to Positive Romanticism in his Cycles of Poems

Romanticism extended to different countries around the Europe in eighteenth and nineteenth century. This school not only includes European countries but also countries outside the continent like Iran. Similarly, Romanticism developed some of its features out of Iranian contemporary literature. Sohrab Sepehri, the contemporary Iranian poet, has always been at the center of Romanticism investigation in Iran. Regarding Morse Peckham's view of Romanticism, this could be inferred that Sepehri has made a voyage from the static mechanism to dynamic organicims. Sepehri's change of view causing this journey was his acquaintance with the Far Eastern mysticism. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate this phase shifting by focusing on its effect on his poems.

NAFLD Prevalence in a Young Cadaveric Organ Donor Population.

Background:Liver transplantation is a critical survival point for patients with end stage liver diseases. It can dramatically increase patients’ survival if the donor liver is intact. One aspect of liver health is absence of steatosis. Nonalcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are increasing among young adults and patients living with chronic liver diseases.Objectives:In this study, we determined the prevalence of NALFD in livers of brain-dead donors in Imam-Khomeini hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran. We assumed that the calculated prevalence would represent NAFLD prevalence in Iranian population in the age range of 20-60 years.Materials and Methods:All eligible brain dead liver transplant donors were enrolled in the survey from March 21, 2011 to March 21, 2013 in Imam-Khomeini hospital Complex. Eligible participants were donors aged 20 to 60 years without any obvious history of liver disease. Liver needle biopsy was performed at the end of the transplant operation; time zero biopsy. We calculated the prevalence of NAFLD among brain-dead donors. Moreover, the frequency of NASH was calculated based on the NAS (NAFLD Activity Score).Results:Among 116 cases, two were diagnosed as probable NASH. There was a significant association between NAFLD and male gender (P = 0.04). Moreover, we found a higher steatosis level in male gender. There was a significant association between NAFLD and BMI (P = 0.05). Those with BMI more than 27 had severe steatosis.Conclusions:Our comprehensive literature review showed that our study was the first investigation in Iran and the region, which determined the prevalence of NAFLD based on tissue diagnosis. We believe that the prevalence of NAFLD/NASH in our donors can represent the overall prevalence in this age group in Iran.

A study on rate of infestation to Sarcocystis cysts in supplied raw hamburgers.

This study was carried on for determination of presence of Sarcocystis cysts in raw hamburgers in Tabriz North West of Iran. Ninety-six samples of industrial (70% meat content) and traditional (30% meat content) hamburgers (80 samples industrial and 16 samples traditional) were obtained from retail fast food stores. The samples were examined by gross examination, and microscopic examination methods consist impression smear and peptic digestion. Macroscopic cysts did not observed in any of the samples in gross examination. Microscopic study showed that from 96 samples 54 (56.25%) samples were infected by at least one bradyzoites of Sarcocystis. From 54 infected samples, 45 industrial hamburgers and nine traditional hamburgers samples were infected. Statistical analysis showed that there was not significant differences between industrial and traditional hamburgers in infection to Sarcocystis. Infestation of hamburgers to Sarcocystis in summer was higher than other seasons but this difference was not significant. In Iran, beef meat is used for preparation of 70% of hamburger and infestation of cattle to sarcocystosis was reported in many investigations in Iran. With regard to the high prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in meat products such as hamburgers in this study, it is strongly recommended to avoid eating raw or under-cooked hamburgers or keep them at freezing temperature for at least 3-5days.