Northwest Of Iran Research Articles

Comparison of Support-promotional services and ethics of farmers factors toward the producing organic products in northwest of Iran

Comparison of Support-promotional services and ethics of farmers factors toward the producing organic products in northwest of Iran

Prevalence of integrons 1, 2, 3 associated with antibiotic resistance in<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>isolates from Northwest of Iran

Prevalence of integrons 1, 2, 3 associated with antibiotic resistance in<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>isolates from Northwest of Iran

Analyzing the impact of climatic conditions on rainfed wheat yield in northwest Iran: a parametric and nonparametric approach

ABSTRACT It is essential to comprehend the relationship between agricultural yields and climatic conditions, especially concerning food security and the possible threats to crop output. Wheat is a crucial agricultural crop that covers a significant amount of rainfed production regions in Iran. This study utilized parametric and nonparametric approaches to assess rainfed wheat yield. The study centered on the Tabriz area in northwest Iran, examining precipitation patterns concerning rainfed wheat cultivation. The study focused on analyzing seasonal and distinct rainfall patterns during the cultivation period, utilizing widely recognized drought metrics such as the standardized precipitation index and the standardized precipitation–evaporation index. The study findings indicate a notable upward trend in rainfed wheat output over the analyzed period. The Mann–Kendall test resulted in a p-value of 0.031, indicating statistical significance for the observed rising trend. We conducted trend removal and normalized rainfed wheat yield figures based on seasonal precipitation to study the data more thoroughly. The second phase of the growing season was particularly notable, spanning from the completion of germination to the beginning of blooming. Instead of analyzing precipitation for the full growing season, concentrating on autumn precipitation or the time from germination to blooming might improve yield forecasts and determinations.

Evaluation of cumulative exposures to multiple pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits in the Northwest of Iran: a risk assessment using Monte Carlo Simulation

This study was conducted to monitor and evaluate the health risks of multiple organophosphorus pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits of Maragheh district, East Azerbaijan province. The Monte Carlo method was used to quantify the possible non-carcinogenic health risks associated with pesticide residues in adults and children. The residues of 17 pesticides in 36 samples were analysed using the QuEChERS extraction method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Residues of 13 pesticides (76.47%) were detected in grape samples and 15 pesticides (88.23%) in apricot and plum samples. The maximum level found in grape samples was due to chlorpyrifos with 1.2 mg/kg, and in apricot and plum samples to diazinon with 1.6 and 1.3 mg/kg, respectively. All grape, apricot and plum samples contained at least ten pesticides with levels exceeding the Iranian and EU Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). The processing factor for washing treatment in grape, apricot and plum samples was less than 1, ranging from 0.53 to 0.69. Chlorpyrifos with values of 0.064 and 0.256 in the grape samples and diazinon with values of 0.0443 and 0.177 in the apricot samples and values of 0.0263 and 0.105 in the plum samples contain the highest hazard quotients (HQ) for adults and children, respectively. The cumulative risk assessment due to exposure to several pesticide residues suggests that there is no significant health risk for adults (HI < 1). However, consumption of unwashed grapes may cause adverse effects in children (HI = 1.48). However, for further research, a comprehensive longitudinal study is suggested to assess the long-term effects of exposure to pesticides especially for children.

Virulence genes and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli isolated from nosocomial urinary tract infections in the northwest of Iran during 2022-2023: A cross-sectional study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent among hospitalized patients, constituting the most frequent health-care infections. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is leading causative agent of UTIs. The present study was aimed to examine the susceptibility of UPEC isolates obtained from nosocomial cases to antibiotics, as well as their biofilm formation capability and frequency of virulence genes. A total of 100 UPEC isolates were collected from nosocomial UTIs at Imam Reza Hospitals in Tabriz, Iran, spanning from April 2022 to January 2023. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were evaluated using the disk diffusion method, along with the detection of broad-spectrum β-lactam enzymes (ESBLs) and carbapenemases. The ability of isolates to form biofilms was assessed using the microtiter-plate method, while the PCR method was employed to identify the presence of virulence genes. The highest resistance was observed toward piperacillin (82%), followed by aztreonam and ciprofloxacin (81%), while the lowest resistance was found against piperacillin/tazobactam (12%) and meropenem (9%). ESBLs were detected in 62% of the isolates. The microtiter-plate results revealed strong, moderate, and weak biofilm formation abilities in 32%, 33%, and 24% of the isolates, respectively. The most prevalent virulence gene was fimA (74%) followed by hlyF (68%), papA (44%), papC (32%), iroN (26%), and cnf (20%). The elevated levels of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, coupled with the co-presence of virulence genes and biofilm formation abilities, contribute to the persistence of UPEC-related infections, particularly in hospitalized patients. These findings underscore the necessity of implementing an effective program to control nosocomial UTIs caused by UPEC in the healthcare centers.

High Blood Pressure Associated with Depression, Not Anxiety: Results from the Tabriz Older People Survey (TOPS)

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between depression/anxiety and hypertension (HTN) in a large population-based sample in Iran. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan province in northwest Iran. Participants: A total of 1362 individuals were chosen from a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and above, residing in Tabriz. Participants were selected using the probability proportional to size sampling method. Outcome measures: A structured survey was used to measure socio-demographic variables, along with the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: The results of a multiple logistic regression revealed that age (70-79 years old; P=0.01), employment status (housewives; P=0.02), level of education (illiterate; P&lt;0.01), smoking status (having quit smoking; P&lt;0.01), and depression (P=0.02) were related to HTN among these older adults. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical importance of integrating mental health assessments and interventions in HTN management and prevention strategies, particularly for older populations.

A Survey on Female Employment and the Quality of Their Family Relationships in Mahabad, Iran (2017–2018)

Abstract The primary objective of this descriptive survey is to examine the correlation between women’s employment and the quality of their family relationships in Mahabad, a Kurdish city in the northwest of Iran. This locale has distinct cultural norms and perspectives concerning female employment. The statistical sample consists of all married women aged between 20 and 60 years and employed within the urban areas of Mahabad from 2017 to 2018. This group encompasses a total of 2,995 individuals (N = 2995). Employing Cochran’s formula, the sample size was determined to be n = 350. Participants were selected through multi-stage clustering and systematic random sampling methodologies. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient estimated at 0.89, indicating satisfactory reliability. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed for data analysis, including the chi-square test and percentage frequency distribution tables. The study’s central hypothesis was validated using the chi-square test at a 5% significance level. Consequently, the research findings substantiate that, within the context of Mahabad, employed women exhibit a higher quality of family relationships than their unemployed counterparts. Given the historically limited discourse on the circumstances of Kurdish women in smaller regions, and the prevailing tendency to focus primarily on the challenges faced by women at the lower strata of society, this research serves as a valuable contribution towards a more comprehensive understanding of the lives of this particular cohort of Kurdish women residing in the modest city of Mahabad. By delving into the dimensions of employment and the quality of their marital relationships, this study strives toward shedding light on the positive impacts of women’s participation on their family dynamics. The insights gleaned from this research hold the potential to serve as a model that can be extrapolated to benefit women in other regions across the Middle East in the future.

Psychiatric Symptoms in Patients with Immune-Related Mucocutaneous Lichen Planus

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is one of the most common chronic mucocutaneous diseases with an underlying immunological component. Although the pathogenesis of this condition is not exactly known, numerous studies have been conducted due to the significance of this disease and its high prevalence. Several risk factors and various contexts have been identified for this condition; however, the primary cause is still not fully understood. Some genetic and environmental factors may be involved in the development of the disease. The present study was conducted to examine psychiatric symptoms in patients with cutaneous-oral LP (COLP) referred to the dermatology clinic of Sina Hospital of Tabriz city, northwest of Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 31 patients with LP and 31 healthy individuals referred to the dermatology clinic of Sina Hospital in Tabriz. The information required was collected using the SCL-90-R standard questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS v.23 and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: The results showed that people with COLP do not suffer from serious psychiatric conditions but may have merely mild to moderate psychiatric symptoms. However, the MANOVA test indicated that the symptoms had a significantly higher incidence in patients with oral LP compared to matched control subjects (F (12,47)=13.86, P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: As shown by the SCL-90-R standard checklist, patients with oral LP expressed significantly more psychiatric symptoms than normal individuals, reflecting the need for these patients for more regular assessments.

Reporting three rare pathogenic variants at the CFTR gene in two unrelated Iranian Azeri children with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive inherited life-threatening disease that causes changes in the electrolyte transport system, leading to high absorption of sodium and water. Disease-causing variants of the CFTR gene are responsible for this disease. In the present study, three rare pathogenic variants were identified in two unrelated Iranian Azeri children with CF.Case presentationOne child affected with CF was found to have two rare variants, c.1545_1546delTA and c.3196C > T, detected through Sanger sequencing of the entire coding region and promoter of the CFTR gene. Another patient was identified as compound heterozygous for the variant c.1545_1546delTA and a rare variant, c.2998delA, which has not been previously reported. The variants were found to be in trans, as both parents were heterozygous for the variants.ConclusionThe rare variant c.1545_1546delTA has been previously reported as a known variant in certain populations, including Azeris in northwest Iran. Our results, along with previous findings, suggest that this variant may be considered a founder mutation in specific geographical regions. The variant c.2998delA has not been previously reported as pathogenic. Following the guidelines of the American College of Genetics and Genomics and considering the proband's symptoms, we classified this variant as pathogenic based on criteria PVS1, PS4, PM3, PP1, and PM2. The identified variants in the CFTR gene as well as the previously reported variants could serve as a basis for future genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in Iran.

Zoned pyroxenes as indicators for magmatic process in basaltic rocks in North West of Iran

Zoned pyroxenes as indicators for magmatic process in basaltic rocks in North West of Iran

Redescription of Rhabditis maupasi Seurat in Maupas, 1919 (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae) from northwest Iran

Summary Rhabditis maupasi is re-described and reviewed based on morphological, morphometric, and molecular (D2-D3 expansion segment of the rDNA 28S) analysis collected from northwest Iran. The species is characterised by having a 1.1-1.9 mm long body, lateral fields with three incisures, the lip region offset by a depression, 12-15 μm wide, with six globular lips, the stoma rhabditoid, 14-20 μm long, with distinct cheilo-, gymno- and stegostom; cheilostom slightly cuticularised, gymno-promesostegostom a short tube with well-cuticularised walls, metastegostom with glottoid apparatus bearing small teeth, stomatal or pharyngeal collar covering 40-60% of stoma; pharynx well developed, the pharyngeal corpus consisting of a more or less cylindrical procorpus and swollen metacorpus (median bulb), basal bulb ovoid to pyriform, with grinder and narrow haustrulum, excretory pore at basal bulb level; vulva a transverse slit with protruding lips, the female tail conical-elongated (65-75 μm, c = 16-26, c′ = 2.0-2.5), the male tail conoid, ventrally arcuate (29-34 μm, c = 22-41, c′ = 0.7-1.0); spicules free, with pointed end and dagger-shaped, 61-72 μm long, bursa pseudopeloderan, and with eight pairs of genital papillae plus the phasmid, and gubernaculum 34-36 μm long. Furthermore, its relationship with four closely related species of the genus is discussed. A molecular phylogenetic study using a partial sequence of large subunit ribosomal DNA fragments revealed that R. maupasi forms a clade with R. terricola, recorded previously from Iran.

Investigation of the toxoplasmosis prevalence in hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients in the north-west of Iran

Investigation of the toxoplasmosis prevalence in hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients in the north-west of Iran

Effectiveness of long-term low-dose aspirin in the prevention of gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication: study design and rationale of Ardabil gastric cancer randomized placebo-controlled prevention trial (AGCPT)

BackgroundIn addition to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection eradication, some medications, including aspirin, metformin, and statins, have been suggested to have protective effects against gastric cancer (GC) development in observational studies. We launched the Ardabil gastric cancer randomized placebo-controlled prevention trial (AGCPT) to evaluate the effectiveness of long-term low-dose aspirin use for the prevention of development and mortality of GC after H. pylori eradication.Methods/designAGCPT is a prospective population-based double-blind, randomized clinical trial. The study sample was targeted at 21,000 participants aged from 35 to 70 years old, both sexes, in Ardabil, a province in northwest Iran with relatively high rates of GC incidence and mortality. All eligible participants were initially tested for H. pylori infection using a H. pylori stool antigen test. Participants with positive tests undergo H. pylori eradication by standard treatment regimens. All participants with a negative test and those with a positive test with a subsequent confirmed H. pylori eradication test were entered into the intervention phase. In the intervention phase, participants were allocated randomly into either the treatment (daily oral consumption of 81 mg enteric-coated aspirin tablets) arm or the control (placebo) arm using permuted balanced blocks. Subjects will be followed for an average period of 10 years to evaluate the incidence and mortality rates of GC.DiscussionIn addition to preventing other diseases like cardiovascular events, aspirin may prevent GC incidence and mortality. AGCPT will investigate the difference between the two study arms in the proportion of the cumulative incidence and mortality rates of GC. The study’s results may help policymakers and researchers update the strategies for GC prevention.Trial registrationThis trial with the registry name of “The effect of Low-dose Aspirin in the Prevention of Gastric Cancer” was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT.ir, under the identifier IRCT201105082032N3. Registered on April 21, 2017.

Entomoneis parikhani sp.nov., Aras Nehri (İran)’nden yeni bir diatom (Entomoneidaceae, Bacillariophyta)

The diatom Entomoneis has a series of unique features such as connecting lines with different shapes, sigmoid raphe on the bilobate keel, different curtains, and multiple girdle bands. Most species belonging to this genus are found in marine and saline habitats. In fact, the genus Entomoneis is an epipelic diatom that is found in streams with high salinity and high electrolyte concentration. To date, no specific type of freshwater has been identified for this species. In this study, a new species of freshwater diatom, Entomoneis parikhani, is described based on detailed morphological observations using a scanning electron microscope. The samples were collected the Aras River near Oltan village of Parsabad city in the northwest Iran. A special feature of Entomoneis parikhani is its triple valve. The genus Entomoneis comprises of diatoms with sigmoidal raphe canals and girdle bands. This taxon is similar to Entomoneis annagodhei and Entomoneis tenera, as shown by LM and SEM observations, and there are sufficient morphological differences to separate Entomoneis parikhani. This new species had very small cells, delicate frustules without valve lines, and wide lanceolate valves. In this study, the wide distribution of this taxon in the Aras River has been evaluated.

Evaluation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patient outcomes in Imam Reza General Hospital Tabriz, Iran

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving procedure for patients experiencing cardiac arrest. The success rate of in-hospital arrests varies from 2% to 27% according to different studies. Aim of our study was an investigation on in-hospital cardiac arrest in a tertiary hospital in north-west of Iran. Methods: We included all in-hospital cardiac arrests over a three-month period of time. Data related to age and sex of patients, cause of hospitalization, length of stay, cause of cardiac arrest, and outcome of CPR has been studied. Results: Sixty-six patients with cardiac arrest were recorded. Mean age was 62.59 (±20.7) years. Cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and lung diseases were the most common causes of hospitalization. The median length of hospitalization prior to arrest was seven days. CPR was initiated within 30 seconds of arrest detection in all cases. The initial cardiac arrest rhythm was asystole in majority of cases (80.3%) followed by ventricular tachycardia in 10.6 % and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) in 9.1% of cases. Five patients could survive to discharge in which two patients had a good neurologic outcome. Conclusion: This study indicates that in-hospital cardiac arrest has a poor prognosis, with asystole being the most prevalent initial rhythm.

The easternmost occurrence of the Late Miocene schizotheriine chalicothere Ancylotherium pentelicum at the classical locality of Maragheh (Iran)

The renowned Late Miocene locality of Maragheh (northwest Iran) has yielded ample material of chalicotheres, most of which has never been described in detail. The present study concerns the taxonomic evaluation of this material and its attribution to the large schizotheriine Ancylotherium pentelicum. This allows a detailed comparison to schizotheriine material from other localities, and based on this, we provide an overview of the diagnostic features of Ancylotherium that separate it from all other chalicotheres. This improves our understanding of the type species A. pentelicum. Additionally, we discuss the palaeobiogeography of the species, which is best known from the Balkan Peninsula. Maragheh marks the easternmost occurrence of A. pentelicum, but its presence has even been suggested in Africa. Lastly, we discuss the existence of sexual size dimorphism in the species, based on the herein described material along with previously described specimens of A. pentelicum from other fossil sites, such as the famous Late Miocene localities Pikermi and Samos (Greece). Specifically, it is shown that many postcranial elements exhibit great size variability that is most probably associated with significant sexual dimorphism.

Stable isotope and proteomic insights into Bronze age human dietary life history at Köhne Shahar, Northwest Iran

Interest in subsistence strategies practiced by the Kura-Araxes communities in Southern Caucasus and the highlands of the Near East has a long history, yet direct studies of paleodiet at the scale of the individual are few. We apply serial sampling of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in 17 teeth representing 11 comingled individuals at the Kura-Araxes early Bronze Age site Köhne Shahar (KSH) in northwestern Iran. Proteomic analyses of dental enamel show seven females and four males. Isotopic results indicate an agro-pastoral diet with little or no C4 millet. Individual isotopic biographies reveal a dietary life history that includes weaning between 1.5 and 3.7 years of age (average = 2.4 years), followed by a stable early childhood diet with little intra-individual variation through age 10 years. Isotopic shifts around 12–14 years of age suggest a change in diet that may correspond to marriage and the establishment of new household units focused more on plant foods. Gradual isotopic shifts between 14 and 20 years may represent such households developing livestock herds and increasing meat consumption. Stability in diet across this transition is consistent with village endogamy. Sex-linked differences in the age of weaning and childhood δ15N values hint at differences in learning and enculturation practices. Males and about half of females were weaned earlier but had access to greater amounts of meat, suggesting they were more involved in animal husbandry and/or production of animal products (e.g., cheese, yoghurt) outside the house. By contrast, the other half of females were weaned later in childhood, but ate significantly more plant foods, suggesting they were more involved in tending gardens and producing crafts and/or plant-based foods within the house, where they had greater access to breastmilk.

The relationship between good governance, social support, and perceived discrimination with mental health through the mediation role of quality of life: a cross-sectional path analysis in Iran

BackgroundRecognizing the established link between social determinants of health, such as social support, good governance, and perceived discrimination, and individual mental health, this study aims to delve deeper into the specific relationships within the Iranian adult population. It seeks to elucidate the potential mediating role of quality of life in the association between mental health disorders (MHDs) and these social factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study employed path analysis to investigate the relationships between social determinants of health and MHDs among 725 Iranian adults in Tabriz, Northwest Iran. Data collection occurred between March and September 2022, utilizing a multi-stage and cluster sampling approach. Good governance, social support, perceived discrimination, MHDs, and quality of life were assessed using valid questionnaires. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-24 and Lisrel-8 software, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.ResultsThis study found that nearly 70.0% of the participants reported experiencing mental health problems. The path analysis showed that good governance had a significant indirect and negative effect on MHDs via quality of life (β = -0.05; P < 0.05). Major racial discrimination had a positive relationship in the direct and indirect paths (β = 0.24; P < 0.01). While, social support was a directly and indirectly significant predictor of decreased MHDs (β = -0.17, p < 0.01). Furthermore, quality of life had a negative relationship on the indirect path with MHDs (β = -0.24, P < 0.01).ConclusionsThis study reveals a significant burden of mental health issues among Iranian adults. It highlights the crucial role of social factors like good governance, social support, and perceived discrimination in shaping mental health through their impact on quality of life. Consequently, addressing these factors through improved governance, strengthened social support systems, and active efforts to reduce discrimination is essential for promoting mental well-being.

Fog water harvesting with cylindrical brush

In this study, an efficient fog collector—type 1 and 2 cylindrical brush—has been introduced and its harvesting performance compared to other conventional collectors under field and laboratory conditions. Under field conditions, type 1 cylindrical brush with Raschel and aluminum mesh was installed in the inlet of the humidity front of the Caspian Sea to Ardabil plain in Abi-beyglu in the northwest of Iran. The results of the analysis of the collected water revealed that type 1 cylindrical brush collected 9.3% and aluminum mesh collected 4.3% more water than Raschel mesh. Under laboratory conditions, by applying different fog speeds, the performance of three conventional collectors and two proposed cylindrical brush were determined. The results indicated that type 2 cylindrical brush had the highest efficiency compared to others, and due to the lack of clogging, its efficiency did not diminish over time. Upon increasing the speed of the output fog, the amount of collected water and accordingly the efficiency of the collectors increased. Type 2 cylindrical brush showed the highest increase in efficiency at high fog speeds. Its maximum value reached about 50%, while the maximum efficiency of Raschel collector was equal to 28%. In general, it can be stated that cylindrical brush introduced in this study, in addition to the high performance of fog harvesting and the high efficiency of water collection, has a high resistance against strong winds. Therefore, it can be a suitable collector for water harvesting in foggy areas without any implementation problems.

Chemical composition of essential and fixed oils of Tagetes erecta fruits (Iran) and their implications in inhibition of cancer signaling

The current research was conducted to explore, for the first time, Tagetes erecta L. (family Asteraceae) fruits from northwest Iran in terms of the chemical composition of essential and fixed oils, their cytotoxic activities, and the inhibitory effect of essential oil on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The volatile oil was obtained through hydrodistillation (Clevenger apparatus). According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, the essential oil was rich in cyclic monoterpenoids, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-one (19.99%), d-limonene (12.75%), terpinolene (11.64%) and also the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (19.09%). Furthermore, the seeds of T. erecta were extracted using hexane by the maceration method. The analysis of fatty acid profile of the fixed oil by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) demonstrated that the most predominant fatty acids in fixed oil were linoleic acid (59.53%), palmitic acid (13.70%), stearic acid (10.20%), and oleic acid (9.20%). The cytotoxic activity of essential oil, crude oil, and fraction A (obtained from fixed oil) were evaluated by using the MTT assay on MCF7 (human breast cancer cell line), PC3 (human prostate cancer cell line), and U87MG (human glioblastoma cell line). Finally, the effect of essential oil on inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was evaluated using real-time PCR. The essential oil exhibited vigorous cytotoxic activity on the U87MG cell line, with an IC50 value of 32.65 μg/mL. Interestingly, the essential oil significantly inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade compared to the non-treated group. Our results suggest that the essential oil holds promise as an anticancer agent for glioblastoma cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report on the profile of the essential oil of T. erecta fruits and its implications for targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.