Iranian Samples Research Articles

Characterising Long COVID in an Irish cohort: a study of symptom type, severity and determinants

Abstract Long COVID (LC) is a multisystem disorder impacting 65 million people globally. This secondary analysis of data from the Follow-up After Disease Acquisition (FADA) retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 recovery, aimed to characterise the nature and severity of LC in an Irish sample. The Modified COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale categorised symptoms. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Of 4,671 respondents, 2,338 (50.1%) self-reported LC. LC participants were predominantly female (1,543, 66%), White Irish (1,512, 84.9%), and highly-educated (1,174, 65.8%). 907 (51.5%), had ≥one baseline co-morbidity. Most (1,076, 59.1%) had never smoked. Only 6.9% (162) of LC cases were ever hospitalised with acute COVID-19. Recovery was reported by 979 (41.9%). Of those with persistent symptoms 306 (31.6%) were classified as “moderate/severe.” Fatigue was predominant, (1,021, 75.1%) accompanied by cognitive dysfunction (932, 68.5%) and breathlessness (870, 64.0%). Functional impairment, assessed by the EQ-5D-5L score, was evident. Factors associated with LC persistence and severity included baseline co-morbidities (aOR persistent LC 1.44 [95% CI 1.12-1.85], p = 0.005; aOR moderate/severe LC 2.90 [1.92-4.37] p < 0.001)), smoking (aOR persistent LC 1.59 [1.11-2.28] p = 0.01, aOR moderate/severe=1.65 [1.0-2.71] p = 0.05), and meeting/exceeding WHO’s physical activity guidelines (aOR persistent LC 1.49 [1.16-1.92], p = 0.002, aOR moderate/severe=1.69 [1.12-2.54], p = 0.01). LC’s diverse symptomatology and functional impairment serve as a call to action to the health service to equip itself to address this complexity. This study offers insights into LC symptom type, duration, and determinants, emphasising the need for Public Health to traverse domains, to improve all facets of population health. These findings add to the current understanding of LC, providing a foundation for the development of tailored LC services. Key messages • Long COVID causes a constellation of diverse symptoms. • The Irish Health service needs to be equipped to manage the diverse symptomatologu.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian version of the Heidelberg Form for Emotion Regulation Strategies (HFERST)

Background and Objectives: This study aims to measure the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Heidelberg form for emotion regulation strategies (HFERST). Methods: In this study conducted from November to December 2022, participants were 333 people aged 18-60 years in Iran who were selected by a convenience sampling method. To evaluate the convergent and divergent validity of the Persian HFERST, the acceptance and action questionnaire-second edition, the difficulty in emotion regulation scale, and the depression, anxiety and stress scale were used. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest method. The data analysis was done in SPSSsoftware, version 25 and LISREL version 8.8. Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 8-factor solution of the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the subscales of rumination, reappraisal, acceptance, problem solving, suppression of emotional expression, suppression of emotional experiences, avoidance and social support were 0.88, 0.87, 0.90, 0.91, 0.84, 0.89, 0.92, and 0.90, respectively. In addition, the four-week test-retest reliability for the mentioned subscales were 0.83, 0.80, 0.85, 0.89, 0.80, 0.82, 0.86, and 0.91, respectively. Conclusion: The Persian HFERST is a reliable and valid scale for measuring emotion regulation strategies in Iranian samples.

An Updated Validation of Persian Versions of Six Personality Questionnaires: TEMPS-A, AFECTS, TCI, PANAS, NEO-FFI, PDQ-4

Background: The revision and updating of questionnaires are part of the list of comprehensive guidelines for using psychological questionnaires. The present study aimed to test the construct and convergent validity of the Persian versions of six personality questionnaires including the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A: 35 items), the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS: 48 items), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI: 125 items), the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS: 20 items), the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI: 60 items), and Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4: 99 items). Methods: The data from four independent samples of Iranian adults ( N1 = 1137, N2 = 558, N3 = 496, N4 = 478; total N = 2669, 70% female, 32.8 ± 10.7 old years) were analyzed by exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Pearson correlations between constructs of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Short Form (PID-5-BF: 25 items) or the ICD-11 compatible Personality Inventory for DSM-5–Brief Form Plus, Modified (PID5BF+M: 36 items) and the personality measures were used to evaluate convergent validity. Results: Although the number of factors of TEMPS-A and PDQ-4 were slightly different from the original structures, the results supported the factor structure and reliability (all α between 0.68 and 0.92) of all measures. Most factors of all measures were significantly related to either the PID-5-BF or the PID5BF+M constructs (all P <.05). Conclusion: The findings supported both construct validity and convergent validity of all personality measures in Iranian samples. Mental health professionals can use the Persian version of all valid personality measures to draw personality profiles of adult populations.

First Molecular Diagnosis of Oestrus ovis (Linnaeus, 1758) Larvae Causing Conjunctival Ophthalmomyiasis in Mexico City, Mexico.

Human ophthalmomyiasis is a rare ocular parasitosis that results from the accidental infestation of dipteran larvae of several species, including Oestrus ovis (Linnaeus, 1758). This study aims to present the fourth documented human case of ophthalmomyiasis in Mexico, identifying the etiological agent through morphological and molecular analyses. Additionally, we investigated the phylogenetic position and genetic distances among different specimens globally characterized based on mitochondrial Cox1 sequences. A total of five larval specimens were extracted from the patient's eye, with two specimens allocated for identification based on morphological features using a stereomicroscope, and the remaining three preserved in absolute ethanol, one of them used for subsequent analysis using molecular methods. The mitochondrial Cox1 region was amplified and sequenced using automated Sanger sequencing. The resulting sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession number OR440699 and subjected to BlastN analysis against 35 other Cox1 sequences of O. ovis from GenBank. The identity and phylogenetic position of the strains were further explored using parsimony and maximum likelihood phylogenetic methods. Morphological examination of the larval specimens extracted from the patient's eye unequivocally identified them as O. ovis species. BlastN analysis and comprehensive phylogenetic investigations involving a total of 36 Cox1 sequences confirmed the taxonomic identity of the larvae. Notably, our sequence was positioned within the cluster formed by the Brazilian and two Iranian samples. This finding underscores a shared genetic ancestry among these distinct geographical isolates and provides valuable insights into the evolutionary relationships within O. ovis populations. The presence of O. ovis infestation in Mexico City suggests potential shifts in environmental conditions favoring fly proliferation, highlighting the need for vigilance in urban healthcare settings.

WITHDRAWN: Evaluation of Mold, Yeast and Phage Contamination of Yogurt Collected from North of Iran, Measurement of Their Potent Natamycin Preservative

Today increasing population has led to higher demands for healthy processed foods, and yogurt is considered as one of the fermented dairy products with high demand. Therefore, studying microbial contamination of such products seems to be very important. In this study, 18 samples of yoghurt were collected from market of Iran, and the samples were evaluated in terms of yeast, mold and phage contamination. Also, natamycin was measured as a common preservative used in dairy products. Yeast and mold were counted using yeast extract-dextrose chloramphenicol agar media after incubation the plates at 25 °C for 3 days. Phage experiments were carried out using inhibition test and plaque assay. Also measurement of natamycin was done using high performance liquid chromatography by c18 column and UV detector. All experiments were carried out in triplicate benefiting from ANOVA method. Results of the current study showed that, just 2 yogurt samples had significant yeast and mold contamination. However, other samples contained microbial load had no significant difference with each other. Phage experiment showed that, just 1 sample of yogurt had significant phage contamination (P < 0.05). Results of natamycin measurements showed that 88 % of samples contained natamycin preservative in different amounts. It was concluded that mold, yeast and phage contaminations were very low in Iranian yogurt samples. However, use of natamycin preservative in high dosage is common as found in yogurt samples collected from the market of Iran.

Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Gallic Acid Determination in Honey Based on g-C3N4/AuNPs Modified Carbon Paste Electrode

Gallic acid (GA) is a well-known polyphenol that occurs naturally in plants and is used as a chemical marker or standard antioxidant in analytical research. Here, a carbon paste electrode was modified with a nanocomposite of graphitic carbon nitride and gold nanoparticles (g-C3N4/AuNPs/CPE). The g-C3N4/AuNPs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry methods were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of GA on the electrode. EIS analysis exhibited lower charge-transfer resistance in g-C3N4/AuNPs/CPE than CPE; 250 vs 1500 Ω, respectively. The g-C3N4/AuNPs/CPE was used to GA sensing with limit of detection and linear response range of 0.025 and 0.16–4.10 μM, respectively via DPV. Then, the GA content in Iranian honey samples with different floral origins such as Ziziphus, Barberry, Thyme, Astragalus, Eucalyptus and Coriander was successfully determined. According to result, the fabricated electrochemical sensor could be useful for GA evaluation in food samples.

Blood and sputum microbiota composition in Afghan immigrants and Iranian subjects with pulmonary tuberculosis.

TB infection is one of the most challengeable epidemiological issues. Complex interactions between microbiota and TB infection have been demonstrated. Alteration in microbial population during TB infection may act as a useful biomarker. The present study examined the microbiota patterns of blood and sputum samples collected from Afghan immigrants and Iranian patients with active TB. Sixty active pulmonary TB patients were enrolled in the study. Blood and sputum samples were collected. To detect phylum bacterial composition in the blood and sputum samples, bacterial 16S rRNA quantification by Real-Time qPCR was performed. A significant decrease in Bacteroidetes in Iranian sputum and blood samples of Afghan immigrants and Iranian TB active subjects were seen. While, sputum samples of Afghan immigrants showed no significant differences in Bacteroidetes abundance among TB active and control. Firmicutes were also presented no significant difference between sputum samples of the two races. Actinobacteria showed a significant increase in Iranian and Afghan sputum samples while this phylum showed no significant abundance in Iranian and Afghan TB positive blood samples. Proteobacteria also showed an increase in sputum and blood samples of the two races. An imbalance in Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes abundance may cause an alteration in the microbiota composition, resulting in dysregulated immune responses and resulting in the augmentation of opportunistic pathogens during TB infection, notably Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Evaluation of human microbiota under different conditions of TB infection can be critical to a deeper understanding of the disease control.

Assessment of trace elements in Iranian kefir samples by using ICP-OES technique

ABSTRACT In this research, levels of 12 trace elements (Al, Zn, Cd, Ni, Hg, Pb, Co, Cr, Se, Fe, As and Mn) were measured in Iranian kefir samples by using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) method. Based on our findings, the maximum and minimum averages of essential elements were related to Fe (423 ± 146 µg/kg) and Se (not detected or ND), respectively, and the maximum and minimum averages of toxic elements were related to As (13.3 ± 4.68 µg/kg) and Hg (ND), respectively. Based on the amount of fat in the kefir samples, the highest mean values of toxic and essential elements was related to As (15.9 ± 5.25 µg/kg) and Fe (466 ± 177 µg/kg) in high-fat kefir samples, respectively. In addition, the correlation between the amount of fat and elements in the samples was shown with a multivariate principal component analysis (PCA). Based on the obtained results, the amount of trace elements in kefir samples was lower than the existing standards (Cd = 10, Pb = 20, Al = 500, Hg = 20, As = 140, Mn = 100 and Fe = 2700 µg/kg). Also, in reviewing the results by PCA analysis, the differences and similarities between the type and amount of toxic elements and essential elements in kefir samples have been shown. Finally, based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the consumption of this food item can be safe due to the low level of elements below the acceptable limit.

The effect of positive emotion on foreign language teacher engagement and well-being: A cross-cultural comparison

Foreign language teaching enjoyment (FLTE) has recently been introduced as a broad positive emotion experienced by foreign language (FL) teachers, despite obstacles embedded in FL teaching. However, identifying its psychological outcomes – and the cultural specificity of these outcomes – has received scant research attention across different contexts. The present cross-cultural study aims to investigate whether teachers’ FLTE can predict and influence engagement and well-being in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context of Iran and China. A series of structural equation models (SEMs) indicated that EFL teachers’ FLTE affected their work engagement and well-being in both Iranian and Chinese samples, with structural invariance tests confirming the group-level differences between Iranian and Chinese EFL teachers in the light of FLTE outcomes. The study provides insight into the positive outcomes of positive emotions in FL teaching as framed by the lens of positive psychology. In addition, a rare non-Western cross-cultural comparison contributes to the ongoing discussions in literature regarding the influence of cultural contexts on the experience and outcome manifestation of positive emotions.

Determination of Element Concentration of Brewed Tea Consumed in Iran Using ICP-OES: A Risk Assessment Study.

Tea is a popular drink enjoyed by many people around the world. However, it is important to note that impurities and contaminants in tea can potentially threaten human health when consumed. The main objective of this research is to assess the concentration of 16 trace elements (As, Fe, Al, Co, B, Li, Cd, Ba, Pb, Cr, Zn, Hg, Ni, Mn, Sb, and Sn) present in different types brewed of tea by using the ICP-OES (the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer) device, and the human health risks related to its use were evaluated. In this study, manganese (Mn) indicated the highest mean concentration in black (917.64µg/kg) and green tea (912.89µg/kg), respectively. Our study showed that the highest mean concentration of element boron (B) was (44.36µg/kg) in Stachys lavandulifolia brewed tea. Among different packaging, tea bag samples had the highest concentration of Mn (1025.65µg/kg) and aluminum (Al) (396.63µg/kg). However, those unpacked posed the lowest content of Mn (188.13µg/kg) and Al (100.47µg/kg). The lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in all samples were lower than the maximum limit of the Iranian standard and the WHO. In general, the amount of tea metal in Iranian samples was higher than in imported samples. Also, increasing the brewing time (10 min) can be effective in the solubility and extraction of metals such as B, Hg, cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and lithium (Li). Further, the correlation between the amount of metals and type in tea samples was evaluated with principal component analysis. Based on the conducted non-carcinogenic risk assessment by the Monte Carlo simulation, the hazard index (HI), due to ingestion of heavy metals via tea in the 5-min brewing of tea, was 7.39E - 03 and 2.09E - 03, and in the 10-min brewing of tea, it was 3.20E - 02 and 9.07E - 03 for children and adults, respectively. Therefore, there was no significant non-carcinogenic risk from tea consumption.

Geographical authentication of saffron by chemometrics applied to the ion mobility spectrometry data

There is a lack of a reliable tool for quickly determining the geographical origins of saffron (SFR). Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has emerged as a promising method for rapid authentication. In this study, 232 Iranian SFR samples harvested in five distinct areas (Khorasan, Azerbaijan, Golestan, Fars, and Isfahan) were analyzed by IMS coupled with chemometric methods. The principal component analysis (PCA) was applied for analyzing the collected IMS data, utilizing three principle components (PCs) that accounted for 81 % of the explained variance. Moreover, the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) demonstrated the average sensitivity and specificity rates, of 72.3 % to 92.5 % for the exernal test set and 75.5 % to 94.3 % for training set. The accuracy values were ≥ 85.0 % for the prediction set for all classes of samples. The results of this study revealed a successful application of IMS and chemometric methods for rapid geographical authentication of saffron samples in Iran.

Construct Validity and Measurement Invariance of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form (DERS-SF): Further Evidence From Community and Student Samples

The current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form (DERS-SF) in Iran, including testing its measurement invariance across sexes, as well as community and student populations. Two samples were recruited: a community sample of 583 participants (58.7% female; Mage = 33.55) and a university student sample of 409 participants (67.2% female; Mage = 24.48). Besides the DERS-SF, participants completed a battery of instruments online, measuring mentalizing capacity and borderline personality features. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the tenability of the five-factor model, excluding the awareness subscale. Except for the awareness subscale, acceptable to excellent internal consistencies were found for the DERS-SF and its subscales. The awareness-excluded DERS-SF was significantly and strongly associated with relevant constructs (|rs| = .49 to .59). This study also found evidence for configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the DERS-SF across sexes and community and student populations. Our findings extended the evidence for the validity and reliability of the DERS-SF and its awareness-excluded version by administering it in Iranian samples and supporting its cross-cultural applicability.

A retrospective investigation of orthognathic patients and functional needs

Abstract Purpose The present study aimed to explore the malocclusion trends, sagittal skeletal discrepancies, and the index of orthognathic functional treatment need (IOFTN) scores in a sample of Iranian and Turkish orthognathic patients. Methods Four hundred and three orthognathic patients were retrospectively examined (203 Iranian/200 Turkish, 229 females/174 males, aged between 16 and 50 years). The following variables were recorded: malocclusion type (incisor-based), overjet, sagittal skeletal relationship (ANB angle) and IOFTN scores. The sagittal skeletal relationships and malocclusion patterns of the orthognathic patients were statistically examined using Chi-square tests and further explored graphically. The relationship between the IOFTN scores and overjet, as well as the sagittal skeletal discrepancies (ANB angle) was evaluated using box plots and at the 95% confidence interval (CI) in different IOFTN treatment categories (1–3,4,5). The characteristics of a subgroup sample of orthognathic patients and previous studies that identified with low IOFTN scores (1–3) were also explored. Results Class III malocclusions and Class III skeletal patterns were the most prevalent (62.3%), forming 69% and 55.7% of the Turkish and Iranian samples, respectively. Turkish and Iranian samples had more Class III [Mean (SD) ANB angle = -1.24° (4.75°)] and Class II cases [Mean (SD) ANB angle=1.06° (5.63°)], respectively. The mean overjet and reverse overjet for Class II and III malocclusions were 6.96 mm (95% CI, 6.40–7.53 mm) and 3.26 mm (95% CI, 2.87–3.65 mm), respectively. The mean ANB angle for Class II and III malocclusions was 6.64° (95% CI, 6.15°–7.13°) and -3.57° (95% CI, -3.92° to -3.21°), respectively. IOFTN scores of 4 or 5 were identified in 93.8% of the sample. Patients with low IOFTN scores (&lt;4) presented with a nearly normal overjet (mean = 3.19 mm, 95% CI, 2.62-3.76 mm, range = 1–5 mm), accompanied by a wide range of ANB angles [mean (SD)=3.44° (3.86°), range = -4° to 9°] Conclusions The findings at the 95% CI for overjet and the ANB angle can be used as identifiers for patients who would benefit from orthognathic surgery. Analysing patients with a low IOFTN score, particularly with scores of 3.3, 3.10, 2.8, and 1.14, revealed that IOFTN could be used in conjunction with a clinical examination plus diagnostic imaging to facilitate the identification of orthognathic surgery patients.

Radiation dangers in Iranian ceramic samples in local markets

This research aims to determine the exact levels of activity for Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 in Iranian pottery samples acquired from the marketplaces of Al-Najaf governorate. The study also seeks to evaluate possible radiological dangers, such as absorbed dose rate, yearly effective dose (indoors), and the related cancer risk from these samples. The current work used NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectroscopy with a “3× 3” dimension. The mean specific activity levels of Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 were 30.44±5.22 Bq/kg, 6.35±1.11 Bq/kg, and 278.42±51.83 Bq/kg, respectively. The absorbed radiation rate, yearly effective dose (indoor), and cancer risk×10-3 were measured to be 29.51±4.86 nGy/h, 0.14±0.02 mSv/y, and 0.50±0.08, respectively. The activity levels of Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 are generally lower than the global average, as reported by UNSCEAR 2008. However, there are a few samples where Uranium-238 activity exceeds the global average. All samples have radiological dangers below acceptable levels, as stated in the radiation protection publications UNSCEAR2000 and ICRP1994. Hence, the research findings are within the internationally accepted permitted limits, ensuring safety.

Kinetics of thermal decomposition of crude oils: Insights from principal component analysis and products characterization

Energy demand is souring, and fossil fuel reserves are dwindling, making heavy oil resources more attractive. In this study, thermogravimetric and Py-GC/MS analyses were conducted on Iranian crude oil samples to compare high and low API (American Petroleum Institute) crude oils. A kinetic study based on mass loss of crude oil was performed using three model-free methods and distributed activation energy model (DAEM). To do that, TG analysis carried out, the temperature was increased from room temperature to 1000 °C with heating rates of 10, 20, and 30 °C min−1. Activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A0) were estimated from Friedman, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Ozawa-Flynn–Wall (OFW) methods for oil sample. The Ea and A0 for heavy crude oil (Koroosh) pyrolysis varied between 59.85 and 193.83 kJ mol−1 and 1.34 × 105 to 4.36 × 1011 s−1, respectively. For light crude oil sample Lavan, the Ea and A0 ranged between 35.93 to 62.89 kJ mol−1 and 337.41–722.65 s−1, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis found that the activation energy barrier increases as the reaction progresses and the temperature rises. This makes it harder to form the activated complex, which is a key step in the reaction. Principal component analysis supported these findings. Saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons were liberated at mild temperature while the resins and asphaltenes consecutively released in favorable condition for developing sustainable heavy oil recovery systems. Py/GC–MS analysis shows the evolution of saturated hydrocarbon in Koroosh-oil and aromatic hydrocarbons in Lavan-oil and demonstrates their suitability for fuel applications.

Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminant and clinical samples in Iran: insights into Q fever epidemiology

Coxiella burnetii, a zoonotic pathogen, is the causative agent of Q fever, an endemic disease in Iran. However, there is currently a lack of available data on the genotypes of C. burnetii in the country. Here, we typed 26 C. burnetii isolates detected in milk, abortion, cotylodon, and cardiac valve samples from various geographical areas and hosts (7 cattle, 8 goats, 10 sheep, and 1 human) using Multilocus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA/VNTR) with five loci:ms24, ms27, ms28, ms33, and ms34. As IS1111 was observed to be spontaneously inserted in locus ms23 across all of our examined C. burnetii samples, five loci were employed for MLVA/VNTR genotyping. Among the 26 C. burnetii strains, 22 distinct genotypes (A–V) were identified in the discriminative loci. In silico analysis categorized Iranian C. burnetii strains into five genomic groups along with seven singletons, representing 11 exiting clonal complexes worldwide. Clusters 10 and 11 exclusively consisted of Iranian samples. These findings revealed high genotyping diversity among C. burnetii isolates in Iran. The genotypes circulating in Iran differed significantly from those found in other regions worldwide. To gain a comprehensive understanding of Q fever epidemiology in Iran, it is crucial to conduct large-scale studies that assess the distribution of C. burnetii genotypes across different geographical areas, hosts, and sources.

Assessment of Health Risks for Heavy Metals in Iraqi, Iranian and Turkish of Cheese Samples Available of Iraqi Markets

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of Pb, Cd, and Cr in a number of selected cheese samples in Iraqi markets, both locally produced and imported from Iran and Turkey. This assessment was carried out through the application of atomic absorption spectroscopy. In the current investigation, human health risk parameters, such as estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR), were evaluated in all tested cheese samples. The evaluation of the r lead assay for Iraqi, Iranian, and Turkish cheese samples yielded the following average values: 2.88 ± 0.43, 4.33 ± 0.57, and 3.89 ± 0.63 in units of mg/kg, respectively. In the case of cadmium, the values were 0.131 ± 0.02, 0.135 ± 0.03, and 0.167 ± 0.032, respectively, whereas chromium values were 0.015 ± 0.01, 0.183 ± 0.12, and 0.105 ± 0.07, respectively. The average values of HI for Iraqi, Iranian, and Turkish samples were 0.352 ± 0.05, 0.526 ± 0.07, and 0.483 ± 0.26, respectively. Additionally, the average values of CR×10-6 for Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations in Iraqi samples were 0.004 ± 0.0006, 0.297 ± 0.05, and 0.09 ± 0.08, respectively. Meanwhile, the corresponding values for Iranian and Turkish samples were 0.006 ± 0.0007, 1.13 ± 0.0007, and 0.0056 ± 0.7, and 0.005 ± 0.0008, 0.37 ± 0.07, and 0.65 ± 0.4, respectively. The heavy metal content in the Iraqi samples was lower than in Iranian and Turkish samples. Also, no statistical significance was found when comparing the Iranian and Turkish samples, where the P-value was greater than 0.05. Most of the values of Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations were above the permissible limits according to EU regulations. However, the health risk parameters were within the globally accepted limits. Therefore, the majority of the investigated cheese samples have no health risks when used by Iraqi customers. Keywords: Heavy metal, Health risk, Canned cheese, Iraqi markets.

MiR-20b Tissue Expression Level Displays the Diagnostic Value in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Detection of cancer in patients with thyroid nodules requires sensitive and specific diagnostic modalities that are accurate and inexpensive. This study aimed to identify a potential microRNA(miRNA) panel to detect papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Following a comprehensive literature review as well as miRNA target predictor databases, Real-time PCR was used to quantify the expression of candidate miRNAs in 59 tissue specimens from 30 patients with PTC and 29 patients with benign nodules. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the accuracy of miRNA expression levels compared to the pathology report as the gold standard. Based on prediction results, four miRNAs, including miR-9, miR-20b, miR-221, and miR-222, were selected to evaluate their expression level in Iranian thyroid samples. A significant difference between the tissue expression level of miR-20b, miR-9, miR-222, and miR-221 was detected in the PTC group compared with non-PTC (P < 0.05). The area under the curves for the included miRs were 1, 0.98, 0.99, 0.98, and 1, respectively. Our results confirmed deregulations of miR-20b as well as miR-222, miR-221, and miR-9 in PTC and, therefore, could be used as a helpful miRNA panel to differentiate PTC from benign nodules, which results in the more efficient clinical management of PTC patients.

Evaluation of miR-let-7f, miR-125a, and miR-125b expression levels in sputum and serum samples of Iranians and Afghans with pulmonary tuberculosis

Background and Objectives: The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tuberculosis infection is well established. As microR- NAs are able to change expression profiles according to different conditions, they can be useful biomarkers. Iranians and Afghans with tuberculosis were studied for three immune-related miRNAs (miR-let-7f, miR-125a, and miR-125b). Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Iranian and Afghan patients with active pulmonary TB were enrolled in the Pulmo- nary Department of the Pasteur Institute of Iran. Serum and sputum samples were collected simultaneously from all partici- pants. A Real-time PCR was conducted to detect differentially expressed miRNAs. Results: Iranian (P&lt;0.0001) and Afghan (P&lt;0.0001) serum samples and Afghan (P&lt;0.0001) sputum samples overexpressed miR-125a, whereas Iranian sputum samples showed downregulation (P=0.0039). In both Iranian (P&lt;0.0001; P=0.0007) and Afghan (P&lt;0.0001; P&lt;0.0001) serum and sputum samples, miR-125b was overexpressed. Furthermore, miR-let-7f down- regulation was observed in serum and sputum samples (P&lt;0.0001), whereas Iranian sputum samples had no statistically significant differences (P=0.348). Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-125a and miR-125b has been detected in Iranian and Afghan samples. In both races, miR-let-7f downregulation has been confirmed. Identification of miRNA profiles under different conditions opens the door to evaluating potential new biomarkers for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapeutic markers in TB infection.

Simultaneous evaluation and monitoring ochratoxin A, aflatoxins, and zearalenone contamination levels of cereals from Iranian retail market using HPLC-FLD: A 3-year survey

Mycotoxins are important for farmers and public health. Due to the widespread use of cereals around the world, their monitoring is of great importance. In this study, the simultaneous determination and analysis of aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEN) in Iranian cereal samples, including 150 rice, 150 wheat, and 150 corn samples, were carried out using an immunoaffinity column and analyzed using HPLC-FLD. Under the optimal conditions, the linear range was 0.01–30, 0.03–40 and 0.2–350 ng g-1 for AFs, OTA, and ZEN, respectively. The detection of limit was between 0.0028–0.0035, 0.015 and 0.061 ng g−1, and the qualitative of limit was between 0.0093–0.015, 0.052 and 0.203 for AF, OTA, and ZEN, respectively. In conclusion from the 450 cereal samples, only 7 % contained mycotoxins, and the maximum residue limit (MRL) were less than 1 %. These results show that grain products in Iran are well controlled by the Health and Food and Drug Organization.