Iranian Samples Research Articles

RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE AGING PAIN INTERVENTION RESEARCH ON MINORITIES: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Limited information is available for evidence supported psychological treatment options for pain in minority populations. The purposes of this scoping review were to determine if psychological treatments were 1) evaluated for minority populations; 2) if minorities were sufficiently included in clinical trials 3) if there were trials that were specific to minority populations. A search was conducted in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases for psychological interventions for pain in older adults over the age of 50. We also searched review articles. Search terms were chronic pain OR pain; older adults OR elderly OR geriatric OR aged OR human; pain management OR nonpharmacological pain management OR intervention OR psychotherapy; randomized control trial. Papers had to be in English, a randomized clinical trial, with pain as the primary outcome, and the treatment had to be a psychological intervention. We coded studies that had at least a 90% minority sample as a trial specific to a minority population or if one of the groups was minority. From 14,000 studies identified by the search, we reviewed 485 full texts. Of those,129 psychological interventions studies on older adults with chronic pain met inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 6 African-American, 7 Asian,1 Turkish, and 2 Iranian samples. Studies represented 24 countries. However, 72 studies did not provide enough information about ethnicity or race. The lack of reporting of race and ethnicity took place across many disciplines and journal types. All journals should require reporting ethnic and racial demographics of participants to increase generalizability of findings.

Profiling Communication Ability in Dementia: Validation of a new cognitive‐communication assessment tool

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with dementia have communication limitations resulting from cognitive impairments that define the syndrome. Whereas there are numerous cognitive assessments for individuals with dementia, there are far fewer communication assessments. The Profiling Communication Ability in Dementia (P‐CAD) was developed to address this gap.AimsThe purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity, longitudinal validity and inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of the P‐CAD in a population of people with dementia and their communication partners.MethodThe P‐CAD was administered to 122 people with dementia and their communication partners in Ireland (n = 100) and Canada (n = 22), over a 12‐month period. To establish concurrent validity of the P‐CAD, scores were compared to scores obtained from existing standardized instruments including the Functional Linguistic Communication Inventory (FLCI), the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE‐2) and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS). Inter‐rater reliability and responsiveness (longitudinal validity) were analysed using data from a subgroup of participants.Outcomes & ResultsOverall P‐CAD test scores were significantly correlated with FLCI (n = 122; r = 0.875; p < 0.001) and MMSE‐2 total scores (n = 122; r = 0.857; p < 0.001). Levels of communication support categories on the P‐CAD correlated with GDS rankings (n = 122; rho = −0.539; p < 0.001) and MMSE‐2 total scores (n = 122; rho = 0.680, p < 0.001). Inter‐rater reliability tested for 20 participants in the Irish sample revealed high levels of agreement between raters in scoring the GDS (n = 20; ICC = 0.969, p < 0.001), MMSE‐2 (n = 20; ICC = 0.997, p < 0.001), FLCI (n = 20; ICC = 0.999, p < 0.001) and P‐CAD (n = 20; ICC = 0.981, p < 0.001). To establish longitudinal validity to examine if the P‐CAD was responsive to changes in cognitive‐communication function over time, 12 participants in the Irish sample repeated all tests 3 months after the initial testing. No statistically significant differences in test scores were found for the 12 participants who completed follow‐up measures at this time point in any of the three scales. It was not possible to determine sufficient responsiveness as correlations between the change in P‐CAD scores over 3 months were insignificant for both the change in MMSE‐2 scores (rho = −0.130, p = 0.704) and the FLCI scores (rho = 0.221, p = 0.513).Conclusions & ImplicationsIn this study, P‐CAD has demonstrated good concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability in samples collected in two countries with English‐speaking participants. The P‐CAD is appropriate for use to evaluate communication abilities of people with dementia, including during conversational interactions with caregivers.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDSWhat is already known on the subject Dementia alters the communication function of the person with dementia and impacts interactions with others. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) provide specific recommendations on communication function and support. However, they have limited access to comprehensive communication assessments to guide intervention.What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This validation study has confirmed that Profiling Communication Ability in Dementia (P‐CAD) is a valid and reliable tool for SLTs to profile the communication abilities of people with dementia. It identifies the type and levels of communication support required as dementia progresses. The inclusion of communication partners in the study confirms their important role in providing conversation support to people with dementia.What are the potential or clinical implications of this work? The P‐CAD is a clinical resource for dynamic communication assessment, which identifies key areas of retained ability to guide communication support and individualised intervention. It can be used with people at different stages and severity of dementia across a range of clinical settings. The P‐CAD summary, which is part of the P‐CAD, can be shared with family members and healthcare teams to enhance communication access for the person as dementia progresses.

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.

Validation and Psychometric Assessment of the Persian Version of the Adult Responses to Children’s Symptoms Questionnaire in Children With Chronic Diseases

Background Measuring the way adults respond to the needs of children with chronic diseases is of therapeutic and research importance due to its effect on the course of the disease and children’s symptoms. Objective This study aims to validate and assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the adult responses to children’s symptoms (ARCS) questionnaire in children with chronic diseases. Methods This is a descriptive and psychometrics study. Participants were 290 parents of children aged 4-16 years with chronic diseases who visited 17 Shahrivar Hospital in Rasht, Iran from winter 2021 to spring 2022. They were selected using a consecutive sampling method and answered the Persian versions of ARCS and the child-parent relationship scale (CPRS). Results The correlation coefficients between the total score and the items for the dimension of encouraging/monitoring were in the range of 0.35-0.72, for the protective dimension in the range of 0.44-0.73, and for the minimizing dimension in the range of 0.53-0.66. In addition, the results of regression analysis showed that the scores of ARCS dimensions were able to significantly explain the variance in scores of the CPRS dimensions of conflict (20%), closeness (34%), and dependency (36%) and overall CPRS score Conclusion The Persian ARCS questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for use in the 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.

Phylogeographic Structure of Five‐Toed Jerboas of the Genus Scarturus (Dipodoidea and Allactaginae) With Taxonomic Clarification in Türkiye

Understanding the genetic structure and phylogeographic patterns of Scarturus species is crucial for accurately delineating their taxonomic status and informing conservation strategies. This study explores the genetic differentiation of Scarturus williamsi, S. aulacotis, and S. elater species complex across Turkish populations by analyzing mitochondrial (Cytb, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA) and nuclear (IRBP) gene sequences. Our phylogenetic analyses have firmly established the monophyly and distinct species status of S. williamsi and S. aulacotis (formerly known as S. euphraticus), challenging previous subspecies classifications. Within S. williamsi, we identified five distinct lineages from Cytb sequences, illustrating a complex population structure shaped by geographical and ecological factors. Notably, the Niğde population emerged as a unique and ancient lineage, likely influenced by historical isolation. Our findings further indicate that S. aulacotis encompasses two divergent lineages, one spanning Syrian samples and the other Turkish and Iranian samples, both now classified under the revised taxonomy of S. aulacotis. Analysis of the S. elater species complex unveiled three distinct subclades, with the Turkish population aligning closely with Iranian and Armenian samples, identified as S. indicus aralychensis within the S. indicus superspecies.

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.