Khuzestan Province Research Articles

Seroprevalence and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) in Khuzestan Province, Iran

ABSTRACTIntroductionToxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan capable of infecting warm‐blooded animals, including humans, and is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens like T. gondii, which can cause disease in humans if transmitted. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of T. gondii in wild boars in Khuzestan Province, Iran.MethodsSeroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), employing a commercial kit (Calbiotech), whereas molecular detection was carried out through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the B1 gene of T. gondii on tissue samples (tongue, muscle, diaphragm and heart). Thirty wild boars were sampled from the regions of Shush, Shushtar, Dezful and Abadan, and both blood and tissue samples were analysed.ResultsIn this study, the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was found to be 83.3% (25/30) among wild boar serum samples using ELISA. Molecular detection through PCR identified T. gondii DNA in 46.7% (14/30) of tissue samples, with the highest detection rates in tongue tissues (64%), followed by muscle (21%) and diaphragm (14%). No positive results were found in heart samples, and no animal had multiple tissues testing positive. All PCR‐positive cases corresponded with positive ELISA results, and a statistically significant difference was observed in parasite prevalence across different tissues (p = 0.002).ConclusionAlthough consumption of wild boar meat is banned in Iran, illegal hunting and consumption remain a concern. The high prevalence of T. gondii in wild boars poses a potential risk for transmission through the illegal consumption of undercooked or raw meat. This study highlights the need for public health interventions to control the illegal trade of wild boar meat and reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission. Further research is recommended to investigate T. gondii distribution in other tissues, including the brain, and to better understand the parasite's epidemiology in this region.

Real Water Saving Using Crop Substitution in Cropping Pattern: A Case Study of Khuzestan Province, Iran

Real Water Saving Using Crop Substitution in Cropping Pattern: A Case Study of Khuzestan Province, Iran

Monitoring of toxic metals(loids) in fifteen raptor bird species of Iran.

The current study was conducted to identify the contamination of 10 toxic metals(loids) (mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and aluminium (Al)) in the feathers of 15 raptor bird species, which tries to analyze the adverse effects, taxonomic affiliation, spatial distribution, habitat type, and effect of age. During 2020-2022, 476 feathers of 115 birds were collected and the primary feathers of each bird were sampled and an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyze the toxic metals(loids). It was found that there is a statistically significant difference between the concentration of metals(loids) and the studied birds (except for As) (p < 0.05). The highest average concentrations of Hg and Al in tawny owl (2.26 and 1184.75 mg/kg dry weight, respectively), Cu in spotted little owl (10.45 mg/kg), and Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Se, Ni, and As in pallid scops owl (5.44, 0.19, 3.93, 251.99, 4.84, 5.45, and 0.52 mg/kg, respectively) were observed. According to the threshold level of elements, the status of Pb, Cr, Ni, and Al can be reported as unfavorable. In the current project, there was a statistically significant difference between the concentration of Hg, Cr, and Ni in the studied birds and spatial distribution (p < 0.05). The pollution of birds in Khuzestan province with toxic elements was considerable and in all ten elements investigated, this province is among the first 5 provinces in terms of pollution. In the case of most of the investigated elements, namely Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, As, and Ni, the highest concentration was related to the habitat of open grasslands (2.10, 0.04, 0.98, 64.66, 0.15, and 1.26 mg/kg, respectively). Regarding most of the studied elements, adult birds had the highest concentration, but elements such as Ni and As showed a reverse trend so that nestling birds had higher concentrations of Ni and As in their feathers. As a conclusion, tawny owl, spotted little owl, and pallid scops owl can be introduced among the important group of raptor birds as distinct indicators of environmental pollution.

Comprehensive assessment of COVID-19 case fatality rate and influential factors in Khuzestan Province, Iran: a two-year study

BackgroundThe emergence of a new pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) resulted in a high mortality rate across the world. This study sought to comprehensively analyze the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) associated with COVID-19 in the Khuzestan province of Iran”. The primary objective was to discern patterns and determinants influencing CFR, shedding light on the evolving impact of the pandemic on morbidity and mortality.MethodsA retrospective examination was performed on a dataset encompassing confirmed COVID-19 cases and related fatalities in Khuzestan. Data, spanning from December 2020 to April 2022, underwent rigorous statistical analysis. Demographic variables, comorbidities, and temporal trends were scrutinized to identify key factors influencing CFR.ResultsPreliminary findings revealed dynamic shifts in CFR, capturing the nuanced nature of the pandemic over time. Demographic nuances, particularly age and gender, emerged as significant determinants impacting CFR, the reported CFR of COVID-19 in Khuzestan province was 1.79%.ConclusionThis study contributes critical insights into the CFR landscape of COVID-19 in Khuzestan, providing a foundation for evidence-based decision-making in public health. The identified factors influencing mortality rates offer valuable information for tailoring interventions and optimizing resource allocation. Continuous monitoring and further investigations are recommended to adapt strategies to the evolving nature of the pandemic.

Analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis among military personnel in the Islamic Republic of Iran: a spatiotemporal study between 2018 and 2022, trend forecasting based on ARIMA model

BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the few infectious diseases whose global prevalence is on the rise. Iran ranks among the eight most affected countries in the world. Iranian military personnel are often sent to endemic areas for cutaneous leishmaniasis without prior immunity, and they have fewer health facilities in military centers than the general population. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the situation of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iranian military personnel across all units from 2018 to 2022 and predict the disease trend using time series analysis up to the end of 2025.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Iranian Ministry of Health to perform spatiotemporal and descriptive analyses based on patient frequency. Variables examined included age distribution, cutaneous leishmaniasis types (zoonotic or anthroponotic), month of healthcare facility visits, and lesion locations. This study employed the ARIMA model (p = 2, d = 0, q = 1)(P = 3, D = 0, Q = 0), for time series analysis and forecasting the disease trend up to 36 months after 2022.ResultsOver five years, 2,894 patients were reported. The Esfahan, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces had the highest average patient counts, with hot spots primarily found in central, south, southwestern, and western Iran. Although the total number of patients with zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis was almost equal to anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, in high-risk provinces such as Esfahan, Khuzestan, and Ilam, the confirmed cases of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis were much more than anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. patient numbers peak in October and November. Demographic analysis revealed that younger patients outnumbered older patients. Lesion locations were frequent on the forelimbs and lower limbs. The time series analysis for 36 months after 2022 indicated the seasonal pattern of the disease and predicted an upward trend after 2022.ConclusionWhile overall cases have declined, provinces such as Esfahan exhibit an upward trend. The expansion of hotspots from the west and southwestern to the center and south of Iran, coupled with an increasing trend in time series analysis, suggests the potential emergence of new foci and a rise in patient numbers in the future. In provinces with high disease prevalence, preventive measures should be prioritized, particularly in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Esfahan.

First transcriptome analysis of the venom glands of the scorpion Hottentotta zagrosensis (Scorpions: Buthidae) with focus on venom lipolysis activating peptides.

Scorpion venom is a rich source of biological active peptides and proteins. Transcriptome analysis of the venom gland provides detailed insights about peptide and protein venom components. Following the transcriptome analysis of different species in our previous studies, our research team has focused on the Hottentotta zagrosensis as one of the endemic scorpions of Iran to obtain information about its venom proteins, in order to develop biological research focusing on medicinal applications of scorpion venom components and antivenom production. To gain insights into the protein composition of this scorpion venom, we performed transcriptomic analysis. Transcriptomic analysis of the venom gland of H. zagrosensis, prepared from the Khuzestan province, was performed through Illumina paired-end sequencing (RNA-Seq), Trinity de novo assembly, CD-Hit-EST clustering, and annotation of identified primary structures using bioinformatics approaches. Transcriptome analysis showed the presence of 96.4% of complete arthropod BUSCOs, indicating a high-quality assembly. From total of 45,795,108 paired-end 150 bp trimmed reads, the clustering step resulted in the generation of 101,180 de novo assembled transcripts with N50 size of 1,149 bp. 96,071 Unigenes and 131,235 transcripts had a significant similarity (E-value 1e-3) with known proteins from UniProt, Swissprot, Animal toxin annotation project, and the Pfam database. The results were validated using InterProScan. These mainly correspond to ion channel inhibitors, metalloproteinases, neurotoxins, protease inhibitors, protease activators, Cysteine-rich secretory proteins, phospholipase A enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, growth factors, lipolysis-activating peptides, hyaluronidase, and, phospholipase D. Our venom gland transcriptomic approach identified several biologically active peptides including five LVP1-alpha and LVP1-beta isoforms, which we named HzLVP1_alpha1, HzLVP1_alpha2, HzLVP1_alpha3, HzLVP1_beta1, and HzLVP1_beta and have extremely characterized here. Except for HzLVP1_beta1, all other identified LVP1s are predicted to be stable proteins (instability index <40). Moreover, all isoform of LVP1s alpha and beta subunits are thermostable, with the most stability for HzLVP1_alpha2 (aliphatic index = 71.38). HzLVP1_alpha2 has also the highest half-life. Three-dimensional structure of all identified proteins compacts with three disulfide bridges. The extra cysteine residue may allow the proteins to form a hetero- or homodimer. LVP1 subunits of H. zagrosensis potentially interact with adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), two key enzymes in regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, suggesting pharmacological properties of these identified proteins.

The molecular and histopathological investigations of TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms effects on cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a zoonotic and neglected disease, is prevalent in numerous regions, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In Iran, endemic foci of leishmaniasis exist in specific regions, with zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Leishmania major being common in most rural areas. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immunities, and the investigation of TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in parasitic diseases can have significant implications for patient treatment. In the present study, a total of 88 leishmaniasis patients using the patients' lesions from Khuzestan province health-treatment centers, Iran, including 50 cases (56.8%; Central region) and 38 cases (43.2%; Western region) underwent examination between the years 2022 and 2023. Two direct smears from the lesions of each patient were prepared and one of the smears was stained with Giemsa for parasitological examination. Among the 88 patients, the highest frequency was observed in the 21–30 years' age group (35.2%), while the lowest was in the 11–20 years’ age group (10.2%). No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and age (P > 0.05). Following disease confirmation via microscopic examination, TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in the patients were assessed using PCR-RFLP. Fragments of 264, 249, and 406 base pairs were successfully amplified, targeting the TLR2 and TLR4 genes, respectively. Out of the 88 leishmaniasis patients, 14 cases (15.9%) exhibited polymorphisms. Notably, all individuals in the polymorphism group carried both the TLR2 rs5743708 homozygous and the TLR4 rs4986791 heterozygous genotype combinations. There were no observations of TLR2 rs5743708 heterozygous, TLR4 rs4986790 heterozygous and homozygous and TLR4 rs4986791 homozygous genotypes within the polymorphism group. Biopsies from lesions for all contributors were prepared for histopathological examination. All patients with polymorphism showed larger lesions than patients without polymorphism (P < 0.05). Histophatological study showed abnormal cases in patients with polymorphism including mild hyperkeratosis, mild acanthosis, focal parakeratosis in the epithelium surface and mild hyperpigmentation of melanocytes in the basal layer. Furthermore, a strong infiltration of immune cells such as PMNs and a small number of lymphocytes was observed in the epidermal region of patients with polymorphisms. There was no statistically significant relationship between age and the quantity of lesions (P > 0.05). Additionally, some regions of the epidermal surface layer displayed pustule formation in patients with polymorphisms. No significant difference was discerned in the dermal layers of patients with polymorphisms compared to other patients. Considering that all patients with polymorphisms concurrently had TLR2 rs5743708 homozygous and TLR4 rs4986791 heterozygous genotype combinations, the anomalies observed in conjunction with histological changes in the skin lesions of patients with CL may plausibly be linked to the polymorphisms. Nonetheless, a more expansive dataset involving a larger population is imperative to comprehensively elucidate the pathogenesis of the Leishmania parasite and the potential impact of TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) gene polymorphisms in individuals afflicted with CL across diverse geographical locales.

Offshoot Decline and Bud Rot of Date Palm Caused by Three Species of Enterobacteriaceae

ABSTRACTDate palm (Phoenix dactylifera) considered a main income and food source for local individuals in producing countries. However, palm offshoot decline and bud rot disease was observed in some palm groves in Khuzestan province as a major date producer in Iran. Thirty‐five samples with rot and decline were collected from diseased offshoot from palm groves of six cities of Khuzestan during 2019–2021. Yellowing in outer leaves, black, brown or reddish brown spots were observed on petioles at the early stage, which gradually continues to rot. Seventy‐nine were isolated from symptomatic samples among which 38 strains caused rotting in the inoculated site and emission of a foul odour 3 weeks after inoculation on petioles and rachises of young offshoots. Based on the phenotypic characters, pathogenic strains categorised in three groups including Klebsiella oxytoca with 15, Kosakonia radicincitans with 12 and Citrobacter koseri with 11 strains. The phylogenic tree based on analysis of the concatenated partial sequences of two housekeeping genes, gyrB and infB, revealed that six representative strains clustered with the type strains of K. oxytoca and K. radicincitans. Furthermore, two strains were clustered with the type strain of C. koseri based on concatenated partial sequences of gyrB, fusA and pyrG genes. This is the first report of K. oxytoca, K. radicincitans and C. koseri, as agents of date palm offshoot decline and bud rot. The inundation of palm groves due to massive flood during 2019 and 2020 in Khuzestan province may intensify the outbreak of decline and offshoot rot disease.

Factors Influencing Non-Attendance of Elderly at Rural and Urban Comprehensive Health Centers from Healthcare Providers' Perspective

Background. Studies have shown that comprehensive urban and rural health centers can provide 80% of the health needs of the elderly population. However, elderly individuals often do not utilize these services. The present study aimed to investigate the reasons why elderly individuals do not access services provided by comprehensive rural and urban health centers in the southwest of Khuzestan Province, from the perspective of health center staff. Methods. This descriptive-analytical study utilized a multi-stage random sampling method to select 338 employees of comprehensive health centers in southwestern Khuzestan. A survey questionnaire was developed and administered to collect information, including demographic data and 39 questions regarding reasons for non-attendance at health centers. The validity and reliability of the survey questionnaire were assessed prior to data collection. Results. The majority of participants in this study were female (77.81%), married (74.26%), and had a bachelor's degree (32.25%). From the healthcare providers' perspective, preference for the private sector and personal factors related to the elderly or their families were identified as the main reasons for non-attendance at health centers. However, factors related to the physical condition of the centers, the quality of services provided, and the level of trust between elderly patients and healthcare providers were not found to have a significant impact on utilization of health center services. Conclusion. The elderly population's willingness to utilize first-level services in the health and treatment networks was not viewed favorably by healthcare providers. Integrating some level two and level three services into the first level of service could potentially incentivize the elderly to make greater use of these services. In addition, healthcare providers suggested that traditional medicine services should be considered and incorporated at the first level of service, given the interest in traditional medicine among the elderly population.

A Retrospective Analysis of Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Epidemiology During 2016 - 2021 in Hoveyzeh County, Khuzestan Province, Iran

Background: Leishmaniasis, a significant neglected tropical disease, is caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the Leishmania genus. Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) from 2016 to 2021 in Hoveyzeh county. Methods: This study is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study based on available data. The study population included all individuals treated and followed up in health care centers who were clinically diagnosed with CL and confirmed by laboratory tests. Results: Among the 628 individuals diagnosed with CL, 324 (51.6%) were male, and 304 (48.4%) were female. The average age of the patients was 16.58 ± 15.17 years. The highest proportion (45.4%) of cases occurred in the 0 - 10-year age group, highlighting the vulnerability of children, while those above 50 years had the lowest incidence (3.7%). Approximately 68.2% of patients resided in urban areas, with the remainder living in rural settings. The hand was the most frequently affected area (44.5%), and the maximum number of lesions reported in a single individual was 25. Most patients (46.82%) were treated with topical glucantime along with cryotherapy. Disease incidence showed seasonal variation, with the highest number of cases reported in autumn (54%) and a significant peak in December (22%). The highest incidence year was 2016 (30.3%). Conclusions: Effective strategies to combat this disease should include comprehensive public awareness campaigns focused on health education, early recognition of symptoms, and transmission methods. Promoting personal protective measures is crucial for disease prevention efforts.

Health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements of corn fields in southern Iran

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are among the stable and dangerous environmental pollutants that cause complications in the human body. The present study was conducted to assess the health risk of PTEs in corn fields in southwestern Iran. In the summer and autumn of 2022, 180 samples were collected from corn fields in six regions of Khuzestan Province. Potential elements were measured using the atomic absorption method and an AA240Z device. The average concentrations of Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu in soil samples from corn fields were found to be 0.20 ± 0.01, 48.96 ± 12.63, 59.93 ± 8.77, and 27.31 ± 5.92 mg/kg, respectively. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of PTEs between the two sampling periods (p > 0.05), but a significant difference was observed among the concentrations of PTEs in the six studied farms (p < 0.05). The highest transfer factor for Zn in corn was 0.62, while the transfer factor for Cu was 0.12, which was lower than that of other elements. The average concentrations of Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu in corn samples from agricultural fields during the summer and autumn seasons were 0.058, 21.39, 36.52, and 6.60 mg/kg, respectively. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu was 0.33, 6.11, 0.69, and 0.94 for adults and 1.54, 28.52, 3.24, and 4.4 for children. THQ values for the metals in corn for children were higher than 1. Additionally, the THQ for Ni in adults was higher than 1, indicating a potential health risk. Therefore, based on the data analysis, the THQ of Cd, Ni, Cu, and Zn in corn can pose a danger to human health. According to the results of the Cd carcinogenesis risk index, corn consumption appears to be hazardous for both adults and children.

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides, Personal Protection, and Willingness to Reduce Chemical Sprayings Among Iranian Greenhouse Farmers

ABSTRACT Objectives The level of greenhouse farmers’ personal protection in pesticide use and the possibility of environmental protection through farmers’ willingness to reduce chemical sprayings were assessed in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Methods A survey of 80 active greenhouse vegetable growers was carried out in 2021 with face-to-face interviews. Willingness to reduce chemical sprayings was examined with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model. Results Several intoxication symptoms were reported, with the most common symptom of pesticide intoxication being dizziness. Farmers showed unsafe or rather unsafe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide handling. The maximum use of PPE pertained to the use of mask, spray clothing, and long-sleeved shirts. On a scale from 1 (= totally disagree) to 5 (= totally agree), the respondents showed negative attitudes towards reducing chemical sprayings (mean = 2.30), rather low levels of subjective norms (mean = 2.67), and rather low levels of perceived behavioral control over reduction of chemical sprayings (mean = 2.76). The TPB variables accounted for 73% of the variance in farmers’ behavioral intention. Overall, farmers’ behavioral intention to reduce chemical sprayings was almost neutral. Conclusion Increasing knowledge of the adverse effects of pesticides on health is necessary to promote safety behavior of farmers in the greenhouse.

Evaluation of Antibody Response and Reinfection in Improved Hypertensive, Cardiac, and Diabetic Patients with COVID-19 for Six Months in Unvaccinated Outpatients

Background: This study presents a unique investigation into the relationship between the persistence of IgG antibody levels and reinfection in recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. By shedding light on this aspect, we aim to address concerns about the risk of reinfection in unvaccinated patients, offering a fresh perspective in the current COVID-19 research landscape. Objectives: This study takes a novel approach by focusing on the antibody response and reinfection in COVID-19 patients who were treated in outpatient settings for six months. This approach distinguishes our research within the broader context of COVID-19 studies. Methods: Our comprehensive and rigorous prospective cohort study included 149 COVID-19 outpatients referred to Imam Ali Clinic in Dezfoul City, Khuzestan province, Iran. Data was meticulously collected from September 2021 to February 2022. All unvaccinated patients underwent RT-PCR testing, and their anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG levels were measured at the onset of illness. Serum IgG levels were then measured again after three and six months using ELISA. Results: All COVID-19 patients had their IgG antibody levels tested three times (on days two to four of the illness, at three months, and at six months). Significant differences in IgG antibody levels were observed between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups during each period (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, there were substantial differences between the hypertension and non-hypertension groups (P = 0.032). Importantly, our findings reaffirm the impartiality of our research, as no significant differences were found between reinfection rates and various demographic or disease-related factors. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that high levels of IgG antibodies in unvaccinated patients could potentially reduce the risk of reinfection. This insight could have important implications for public health strategies and the management of COVID-19 in unvaccinated populations, providing valuable information for decision-makers in the field.

Evaluation of Soils Around the Crude Oil Desalting Plant by MCDM Method to Reduce Pollution in the Koreyt Camp Area of Ahvaz, Iran

ABSTRACT In order to identify the factors causing environmental pollution caused by petroleum industries in Ahvaz County, Khuzestan province, regarding local concerns, the area of soil affected by the operational activity of crude oil desalting plantation (CODP) should be determined. In addition, in order to identify obvious environmental risks leading to soil pollution, it is necessary to identify hazardous activities ‎(HA). MCDM methods, or multi-criteria decision-making models, for ranking options, and choosing the best option for identifying environmental risks. Therefore, in this research, by examining models of multi-criteria decision-making, including the AHP Analytical Hierarchy Process and the TOPSIS Model (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), HAs for determining the possibilities of contamination have been discussed. HAs are considered to determine the possibility of contamination. According to the results, the transfer of saline oil from the exploitation unit to the CODP, with a specific ‎vector weight of 0.214 in the AHP method and a proximity coefficient of 0.445 in the ‎TOPSIS method, gain highest rank in terms of HAs in the study area. Regarding the risk assessment and assurance of the creation of salinity and sometimes petroleum pollutants in the region, and also the local obligations and regulations of the founders, industrial devices should preferably use biological methods to remediate and naturalize the environment. According to the results, and regarding the fact that halophyte can grow and develop well in the saline conditions; halophyte culture (haloculture technique) can be used as a method for soil bioremediation.

Comparative Analysis of Paddy Cultivation Sustainability through Integrating Eco-efficiency and Best-Worst Method Approaches

To investigate the sustainability of agricultural systems, it is necessary to prioritize production systems from various viewpoints. The current research, as a new approach, aimed at prioritizing different paddy cultivation areas in Iran based on sustainability criteria using the best-worst method (BWM), which is regarded as one of the modern multi-criteria decision-making techniques. Mazandaran, Fars, and Khuzestan areas in Iran with different climatic classes, i.e., Mazandaran, Fars, and Khuzestan, were considered in this study. Sustainability criteria included energy, exergy, economic, and environmental indices, and the prioritization process was done based on the eco-efficiency index and BWM method. In the evaluation of the eco-efficiency index, the amount of net income and the total environmental index were considered as economic and environmental indices, respectively. In the prioritization of the BWM method, ranking was done based on energy and exergy efficiency, benefit-cost ratio, and the total environmental index. The results of the eco-efficiency index investigation demonstrated that paddy production in Mazandaran province had the most sustainability and compatibility with the environment, followed by Fars and Khuzestan provinces, respectively. The results of the BWM method prioritization also indicated that Mazandaran province was the best and most sustainable area with a final index of 0.98, followed by Fars and Khuzestan provinces, which were placed in the next ranks of sustainable paddy cultivation areas with final indices of 0.93 and 0.85, respectively. In conclusion, the paddy production systems located in the humid subtropical region were found as the most sustainable systems in this area.

Feasibility of Vis-NIR spectroscopy approach to predict soil biological attributes in arid land soils.

Visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) reflectance spectroscopy has recently emerged as an efficient and cost-effective tool for monitoring soil parameters and provides an extensive array of measurements swiftly. This study sought to predict fundamental biological attributes of calcareous soils using spectral reflectance data in the Vis-NIR range through the application of partial least square regression (PLSR) and stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) techniques. The objective was to derive spectrotransfer functions (STFs) to predict selected soil biological attributes. A total of 97 composite samples were collected from three distinct agricultural land uses, i.e., sugarcane, wheat, and date palm, in the Khuzestan Province, Iran. The samples were analyzed using both standard laboratory analysis and proximal sensing approach within the Vis-NIR range (400-2500 nm). Biological status was evaluated by determining soil enzyme activities linked to nutrient cycling including acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dehydrogenase (DEH), soil microbial respiration (SMR), microbial biomass phosphorus (Pmic), and microbial biomass carbon (Cmic). The results indicated that the developed PLSR models exhibited superior predictive performance in most biological parameters compared to the STFs, although the differences were not significant. Specifically, the STFs acceptably accurately predicted ACP, ALP, DEH, SMR, Pmic, and Cmic with R2val (val = validation dataset) values of 0.68, 0.67, 0.65, 0.65, 0.76, and 0.72, respectively. These findings confirm the potential of Vis-NIR spectroscopy and the effectiveness of the associated STFs as a rapid and reliable technique for assessing biological soil quality. Overall, in the context of predicting soil properties using spectroscopy-based approaches, emphasis must be placed on developing straightforward, easily deployable, and pragmatic STFs.

Is the population of kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson) in the northern Persian Gulf really under pressure from overfishing?

AbstractQuantifying the population dynamics of marine species is difficult when good, comprehensive data are not available. We sought to determine if the kingfish Scomberomorus commerson stock in the Persian Gulf was overfished. The ICES data‐limited assessment framework was used to provide precautionary advice, with a 20% decrease advised in situations where only catch or bycatch data were available. The length‐based Bayesian biomass (LBB) was used to model fork length from landing records of licensed fishers in the Khuzestan Province during 2002–2018, which had increased despite sought being overexploited. Most kingfish were immature and smaller than optimum length of the catch (Lc‐opt = 88 cm) and optimum length (Lopt = 104 cm). Relative biomass (B/Bmsy) ranged 0.62–0.66 and exceeded 0.5. The B/Bmsy ratio (1.25) was &gt;1.1. The stock appeared to be healthy and exploitable, but wide confidence intervals of the B/Bmsy ratio complicated interpretation of stock status. The kingfish stock appeared to use waters of the study area as a spawning and nursery ground, so many young immature individuals were present. If current exploitation of young individuals continues, this the stock will eventually be overfished. Long‐term increases in the catch of young immature kingfish can have a side effect on stock maturation and recruitment. We recommend that the mesh size of fishing gear be selected based on optimum length, to enhance economic, and commercial viability of the kingfish fishery.

Three new species of the genus Polyommatus Latreille, 1804 (subgenus Agrodiaetus Hübner, [1822]) from Central Zagros, Iran (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Polyommatinae)

The article describes three new species, Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) hejazii sp. nov. (type locality [TL]: Iran, Khuzestan, Mount Qaroon, Khuzestan province, Iran), P. (A.) ghasemii sp. nov. (TL: Koh-e-Rig Mountains, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran), and P. (A.) persisinus sp. nov. (TL: Koh-e-Rig Mountains, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran). The differences between the new taxa and the most similar, previously described P. (A.) ardschira, P. (A.) luna, P. (A.) shahrami, P. (A.) achaemenes, and P. (A.) pfeifferi (all from the Zagros) are provided in detail. Our study confirms that the Zagros is one of the exceptional centers of speciation and species diversity of Lepidoptera.

Competencies needed for public health workforce in the programs of Iran's health transformation plan: A descriptive study based on programs, operations, and competencies chain.

The public health workforce faces a wide range of challenges related to people's health. Thus, they need a combination of different professional skills and competencies to perform essential public health operations and provide services to people. The present study was conducted to determine the competencies needed for the public health workforce to implement health transformation plan programs at Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences in the capital of Khuzestan province in Iran. This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted in 2020 among 51 managers and experts of the health deputy and faculty members of the public health school. STROBE guideline was used for the present study. The research tools were two researcher-made questionnaires based on the chain of Programs, Operations, and Competencies (POC). Additionally, the validity and reliability of the questionnaires were checked. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was equal to 0.87 for the first questionnaire (programs-operations) and 0.85 for the second questionnaire (operations-competencies). The operations of surveillance of population health and well-being, monitoring and responding to health hazards and emergencies, and disease prevention, including early detection of illness, obtained the highest mean total score (3.9 (95% CI: 3.6 to 4.2)). Respect for and adherence to ethical principles and confidentiality in any professional activity obtained the highest mean total score (4.0 (95% CI: 3.7 to 4.3)) among the needed competencies. To properly implement public health programs, managers must plan and take necessary measures to improve such operations as surveillance of population health and well-being, monitoring and responding to health hazards and emergencies, disease prevention (including early detection of illness), and promotion of the workforce competencies in the field of respect for and adherence to ethical principles and confidentiality in any professional activity.

Assessment of Healthcare Service Quality and Patient Satisfaction Using the SERVQUAL Questionnaire in Khuzestan Province During 2022 - 2023

Background: Hospital service quality is the primary predictor of a hospital's success, and any decrease in patient satisfaction is a cause for concern for the organization. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the service quality of Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, based on patient satisfaction measured using the SERVQUAL questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 - 2023. Patients over 18 years old who visited the emergency department at Golestan Hospital were evaluated, with the exception of those with mental or multiple chronic disorders. Data collection tools included demographic and SERVQUAL Questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, with a significance level set at less than 0.05. Results: A total of 200 subjects participated in the study, comprising 124 females (62%) and 76 males (38%). The results of the SERVQUAL Questionnaire indicated that the highest score was in the tangibility dimension (4.35), while the lowest score was in the assurance dimension (1.38). Negative gaps between perception and expectation were observed in the responsiveness (-0.99) and empathy (-1.22) dimensions. The mean total scores for expectation and perception were 99.55 ± 5.06 and 92.85 ± 5.5, respectively, with the highest scores observed for reliability. No significant association was found between expectation and perception (P-value &gt; 0.05). However, the reliability of the gap and expectation in males was significantly higher (P-value &lt; 0.05). A direct correlation was found between age and tangibility, Assurance, and total score of gaps (P-value &lt; 0.05). Conversely, a reverse correlation was observed between age and tangibility and the total score in perception (P-value &lt; 0.05). Post-hoc analysis revealed that the Assurance and total score of gaps and expectations were significantly higher in married patients compared to single patients (P-value &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: This study revealed a negative gap between patients' expectations and perceptions, highlighting the need for adjustments and improvements in hospital service quality by addressing all five dimensions of service quality.