Southwest Of Iran Research Articles

Unraveling the genome and gene expression of Hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus isolated from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in Southwest Iran

Hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus (HCRSV; genus Betacarmovirus, family Tombusviridae) is one of the pathogens causing disease on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese rose), an ornamental plant grown throughout the tropic and subtropic regions of the world. In a survey on Chinese hibiscus plants showing chlorotic ring spots leaves in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran, HCRSV was identified and the complete genome of the first Iranian isolate of the virus, HCRSV-IR, was determined using Illumina RNA-Seq. The genome of HCRSV-IR was 3911 nucleotides long and potentially encodes seven open reading frames (ORFs) similar to previously known HCRSV isolates. Iranian isolate of virus showed the highest nucleotide sequence identity, 94.39 %, to the Brazil isolate (MK279671.1) Hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus (HCRSV; genus Betacarmovirus, family Tombusviridae) is one of the pathogens causing disease on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese rose), an ornamental plant grown throughout the tropic and subtropic regions of the world. In a survey on Chinese hibiscus plants showing chlorotic ring spots leaves in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran, HCRSV was identified and the complete genome of the first Iranian isolate of virus, HCRSV-IR, was determined using Illumina RNA-Seq. The genome of HCRSV-IR was 3911 nucleotides long and potentially encodes seven open reading frames (ORFs) similar to previously known HCRSV isolates. Iranian isolate of the virus showed the highest nucleotide sequence identity, 94.39 %, to Brazil isolate (MK279671.1) Chinese hibiscus plants exhibiting chlorotic ringspot symptoms were surveyed in southwestern Iran to determine the presence of Hibiscus chlorotic ringspot virus (HCRSV; genus Betacarmovirus, family Tombusviridae). The complete sequence of the Iranian isolate of the virus, HCRSV-IR, was obtained using Illumina RNA-Seq, marking the first time this sequence has been documented. HCRSV-IR (Accession No. OP779319) has a genome comprising 3911 nucleotides, which encodes seven potential open reading frames (ORFs). Comparative analysis revealed that HCRSV-IR shares the highest nucleotide sequence identity (94.39 %) with an isolate from Brazil (MK279671.1). Analysis of the gene expression profile of the HCRSV-IR population infecting hibiscus plants indicated increased expression of the coat protein gene. Additionally, seventeen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within the viral variant populations from the infected hibiscus plants. These SNPs were located in coding regions across the entire genome, implying potential evolutionary significance. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation into the molecular characterization of the complete genome of HCRSV, specifically infecting Chinese hibiscus in Iran.

Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19: A Case-Control Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Iran

Background: Areas with a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency have reported a higher frequency of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the possible association between vitamin D and COVID-19. Methods: This study examined the vitamin D status, hepatic, serologic, and hematologic parameters of COVID-19 patients who tested positive upon admission to a major referral center in southwest Iran. A total of 50 cases and 50 controls were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed consent. The patients did not receive a vitamin D supplement during their hospitalization. Results: Patients with insufficiency and deficiency of vitamin D3 had a longer hospitalization time, a higher likelihood of ICU admission, and a greater risk of death compared to cases with sufficient levels of vitamin D. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased severity and mortality rates. Therefore, using a vitamin D supplement may help reduce the severity of COVID-19.

Toxoplasma gondii genotyping in AIDS patients using high resolution melt analysis (HRM analysis) in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a common protozoan in the Apicomplexa phylum. Several studies in Iran have demonstrated the presence of the parasite in various hosts, but no data on T. gondii genotyping in HIV patients in Khuzestan, Southwest Iran, is available. One hundred of blood samples from AIDS patients were collected and tested by real-time PCR High Resolution Melting analyses for T.gondii detection and genotyping. T. gondii was discovered in 8 out of 100 (8%) AIDS patients with dominant Type I. This study suggest that HRM method demonstrated excellent discriminating ability for T. gondii, and AIDS patients should be tested for Toxoplasma detection and genotyping to prevent parasite pathogenicity.

Assessing the potential of Sentinel-2 imagery and spectroscopy for determining the origin of ancient artifacts in Khuzestan, Iran

Studying the spectral behavior of objects using remote sensing and spectroscopy can be used to identify the source of the raw materials. Therefore, this research first studied the spectral behavior and composition of the ancient artifacts of the Ziggurat temple located in the Khuzestan province, southwest Iran, using FieldSpec3 spectro-radiometer, The Spectral Geologist (TSG), the Prism software, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. A Comparison of the spectral curves and absorption features of the samples shows that the spectral behavior of brick and pottery samples differs mostly from that of soil samples. The next step was to examine the potential of Sentinel-2 images to classify the area using the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) classifier for detecting the origin of the raw materials utilized in the construction of the Ziggurat's brick and pottery samples. The SAM results showed that the raw materials originated mostly from outside the area, which are confirmed by the results of TSG and Prism software. Comparison of the XRD results with the SAM and TSG validated that XRD results confirmed the SAM results. However, only some of the TSG similarity results were consistent with the XRD. These results suggest that the Sentinel-2 image was successful in finding the source of raw materials. The results can help decision makers to make informed decisions about the conservation and preservation of the temple and its artifacts. Also, they can use these techniques to investigate the origin of other ancient structures and artifacts in different locations.

Artificial neural network and multi-criteria decision-making methods for the remediation of soil oil pollution in the southwest of Iran

Artificial neural network and multi-criteria decision-making methods for the remediation of soil oil pollution in the southwest of Iran

The relationship between self-care, spiritual well-being and coping strategies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. The most important underlying cause of death in diabetic patients is the lack of self-care and management. However, there is little known about the influence of coping strategies and spiritual well-being (SWB) on self-care in diabetic patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-care activities with coping strategies and spiritual well-being (SWB) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this descriptive-analytical study, we selected 236 patients with T2DM referred to the diabetes hospital clinics in the southwest of Iran. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with T2DM, with the age group ranging 20-80 years, literate, not suffering from severe and debilitating complications of diabetes and lacking acute psychological illness. Exclusion criteria included refusing to complete questionnaires and cognitive or emotional impairment. Instruments include the demographic questionnaire, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities, Lazarus and Folkman's Coping Strategies Questionnaire and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS; developed by Paloutzian and Ellison). To examine the relationship between variables, the Pearson correlation and multiple stepwise regression analysis were used. The findings of this study on 236 patients with T2DM (53.25 ± 10.91) including 76 (32.2%) males and 160 (67.8%) females showed the majority of participants were female, the age group was between 41 and 60 years (68.22%), had a Diploma (63.98%), were insured (63.55%) and had a moderate economic situation (55.93%). There was a direct and significant correlation between self-care activities and coping strategies (r = 0.163, p < 0.05), and only a problem-focused coping strategy was considered as a predictor variable of self-care (p < 0.01). There was a direct and significant correlation between self-care and SWB (r = 0.385, p < 0.01). The results of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between self-care and the problem-focused dimension of coping strategies and SWB in patients with T2DM.

Formation evaluation and rock type classification of Asmari Formation based on petrophysical- petrographic data: A case study in one of super fields in Iran southwest

The Oligo-Miocene Asmari Formation is one of the most important hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Middle East. The oilfield under study is one of the largest oilfields in the Zagros basin with the Asmari Formation being the major reservoir rock. In this study, petrographic analyses, petrophysical data and neural network clustering techniques were used for identifying rock types in the Asmari reservoir. Facies analysis of the Asmari Formation in the study area has resulted in the definition of 1 clastic lithofacies and 14 carbonate microfacies types. Using petrophysical logs from 43 wells and their correlation with capillary pressure ( P c ) curves, led to the recognition of 7 electrofacies (EF1-EF7). Microscopic evidence of Electrofacies group C1 and S1 show that the sedimentary facies of these electrofacies are most commonly found in restricted and shoal facies belts zone. Also, petrographic studies show that the sedimentary facies of C2, C3, C4, S2 and S3 were formed in the open marine, Lagoon, and Tidal flat facies belt zone of homoclinal ramp sedimentary environment during the Oligo-Miocene based on relative sea level changes respectively. The link between electrofacies and geological data indicated that both sedimentary and diagenetic processes controlled the reservoir quality of the Asmari Formation. Porosity, permeability and water saturation were used to estimate the reservoir quality of each electrofacies. EFs 1 and 2 with high porosity and permeability, low water saturation is considered as the best reservoir with regard to sedimentary textures (dolowackestone and dolograinstone) and the effect of diagenetic processes such as dolomitization processes. Vuggy, growth framework and interparticle porosities are major in EF-2, while the intercrystalline porosity is the major type in EF-1. EFs 3 and 4 show low values of porosity, permeability and high percentage of water saturations, which characterizes them as poor reservoir rocks. Finally, EF-5 is the only electrofacies in the siliciclastic parts of the Asmari reservoir, which is composed of rounded and well-sorted quartz grains that are slightly cemented. In sandstone electrofacies, electrofacies EF- 5 (S1), is the best type of sandstone reservoir rock and to move towards electrofacies EF-7 (S3), will reduce reservoir quality. In carbonate electrofacies, also, electrofacies no 1, the best type of carbonate reservoir rock can be observed and move towards electrofacie number 4, lower quality of reservoir rocks is seen. • This research can be useful in the development of the field and determining oil production in the future of similar fields.

Co-Infection Rates between SARS-CoV-2 and RSV in Oropharyngeal, Nasopharyngeal Aspirate and Saliva Samples of COVID-19 Patients, Shiraz, South of Iran.

Determining the prevalence of respiratory viruses' coinfection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is essential to defining its true clinical influence. This study aimed to evaluate co-infection rates between severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infected patients in Shiraz, south of Iran. In a cross-sectional descriptive study, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA), and saliva samples of 50 COVID-19 patients who were referred to Ali-Asghar hospital (Shiraz, Iran) from March to August 2020, were collected. A control group consisted of age and sex-matched healthy participants. The nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal aspirates were collected by sterile swabs. All cases were hospitalized, and all SARS-CoV-2 patients had a fever and respiratory symptoms. The samples were packed in a vial with 1 mL of transport medium and transported to the Valfagre specialty laboratory, where they were tested for RSV using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 100 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal aspirates and saliva samples including 50 healthy controls (24 females, 26 males) and 50 COVID-19 patients' samples (27 males and 23 females) were studied. There was no significant difference regarding age as well as gender between both groups (p> 0.05). None of the healthy subjects was infected with RSV; however, 5(10%) patients from COVID-19 group were infected with the RSV virus. Chi-square test did not show a significant difference between RSV infection in COVID-19 patients and healthy subjects. The outcome of present research showed that concurrent RSV with COVID 19 infection might be seen in hospitalized patients in Shiraz Southwest of Iran. For more reliable findings, further research on bigger populations, including more pathogens in several places around the country, and considering the severity of symptoms is required.

Evidence for Isolated Platform Development in the Cenomanian on the Passive Margin of Neotethys, Southwest Iran

In the Cenomanian, the southern passive margin of the Neotethys Ocean was dominated by a giant carbonate factory. This succession is known as Sarvak Formation, a significant reservoir in Iran. This study focuses on a detailed analysis of facies variations and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, including the interpretation of the platform types, during this time interval. Based on field observations and petrographical studies, 12 facies have been recognized and ascribed to six facies belts on a carbonate ramp. Sub-environments include the outer ramp and basin (distal open marine), talus and channel (mid-ramp) and lagoon and shoal (inner-ramp). The frequency of the facies and isochore maps indicate the paleoenvironmental conditions and their spatial variations in the study area. Based on all data and analyses, the suggested conceptual model for the Sarvak Formation in the Lurestan Zone is an isolated platform surrounded by two ramps. The upwind and downwind parts of these ramps were located in the central and northern sub-zones of the Lurestan Zone. This model can be used as a template for isolated platforms worldwide.

Characterization of microplastic, metals associated and ecological risk assessment in the topsoil of shiraz metropolis, south west of Iran

This research studied the occurrence, risk assessment and metals associated with microplastic (MPs) in soil of different land-use types in the south west of Iran. One hundred samples were collected from topsoil and MPs were extracted using the floatation method. In total, 9258 MPs particles with mean of 92.85 ± 119.24 particles kg−1 were counted. The mean MPs abundance in urban soils was 2.8 and 3.2 times higher than in industrial and agricultural soils, respectively. Fragment (43%) and small MPs (100–250 μm; 41%), were the dominant shape and size, respectively. Four main polymer types including Poly Ethylene (High Density Poly Ethylene and Low Density Poly Ethylene), Nylon (PA), Poly Propylene (PP), and Poly Styrene (PS) were identified. Nylon (29%) and PE (29%) were dominant polymer types. MPs particles in soil contained different levels of metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Zn, and Y, except La and Yb. The mean concentrations of metals were higher in MPs than in soil. The indices of MPs-induced risk (Hstudyarea=16.8) showed a hazard level (III) in the study area. Pollution load index (PLILandusetype) showed hazard level (II) for urban soils and hazard level (I) for industrial and agriculture soils, respectively. Overall, risk index indicated high to extreme danger for MPs pollution in the study area. This is the comprehensive study on the occurrence of soil MPs and associated metals, which provides basic information for a further study concerning ecosystem health in Shiraz.

Utilization obstacles to hypertension services provided at comprehensive health centers: a content analysis study

IntroductionHypertensive patients' failure to refer to health centers for the management of their disease is the most fundamental public health challenge in most societies. The aim of this study was to identify the utilization obstacles to hypertension services provided at comprehensive health centers (CHCs) from the perspective of patients and the staff of health centers.MethodsThis was a qualitative study using conventional content analysis which was conducted in 2022. Participants included 15 hypertensive patients referring to CHCs and 10 staff (including personnel of CHCs and expert staff) of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed using content analysis method, and coding was done manually.ResultsIn total, 15 codes and 8 categories were extracted from the interviews which were organized in two main themes of "individual problems" and "systemic problems". More particularly, the main theme of “individual problems” involved attitudinal obstacles, occupational obstacles, and economic obstacles. The main theme of "systemic problems" included educational obstacles, motivational obstacles, procedural obstacles, structural obstacles, and managerial obstacles.ConclusionIn order to address individual problems associated with the patients' failure to refer to CHCs, we need to take appropriate measures. These include using motivational interviewing techniques and utilizing the effective activity of healthcare liaisons and volunteers in CHCs to increase patients' awareness and change their negative attitudes and misconceptions. To solve systemic problems, it is imperative that effective training courses be held for health center staff.

Hybridized machine-learning for prompt prediction of rheology and filtration properties of water-based drilling fluids

Careful design and preparation of drilling fluids with appropriate rheology and filtration properties, combined with operational monitoring, is essential for successful drilling operations. Field results reveal that most drilling-fluid problems encountered are avoidable based on prompt detection of unexpected changes in fluid rheology and filtration behavior. Drilling-fluid rheology and filtration properties are typically only checked once or twice a day, whereas other drilling-fluid properties, such as fluid density (FD), solid percentage (S%), and March funnel viscosity (MFV), tend to be monitored several times per hour. Machine learning is therefore applied to estimate rheology and filtration properties with FD, S%, and MFV as input variables. A 1160-record field dataset collected from 14 wells drilled in two oil and gas fields in southwest Iran with water-based drilling fluids is used to predict the drilling fluid’s rheological and filtration characteristics. Plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), and filtrate volume (FV) are the targeted prediction objectives. Of six models tested, Multilayer extreme learning machine (MELM) hybridized with the cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA) provides the best PV, YP, and FV predictions. It achieves root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 0.6357 mL (FV), 0.6086 cP (PV), and 0.6796 lb/100 ft 2 (YP). MELM-COA generates rapid and accurate estimations of rheology and filtration properties with potential for real-time monitoring during drilling operations, without recourse to time-consuming laboratory filtration and rheological tests. This work delivers, in a novel way, accurate and reliable predictions of drilling fluid filtration properties using only the more readily available FD, MFV, and S% variables as input features.

Exposure to needle stick injuries among health care workers in hemodialysis units in the southwest of Iran: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNeedle stick injury (NSI) is the most common cause of infection with blood-borne pathogens (BBP) among healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of NSI and it’s contributing factors among HCWs of hemodialysis (HD) units in southwest Iran.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in 13 HD centers in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 122 employees were enrolled in our study. We used self-administrated questionnaires to collect data about demographics, experiences regarding NSIs, and general health status. The statistical tests used in this study were Chi-square and Independent T-test. A P-value < 0.05 is considered significant.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 36.1 ± 7.8 years (72.1%: women). Exposure to NSIs was reported by 23.0% of them at least once during the previous six months. NSI prevalence was significantly higher among those with higher age (p = 0.033), work experience > 10 years (p = 0.040), and those who graduated earlier (p = 0.031). The intravenous injection was the most common procedure leading to NSI, and being in a hurry was the most common cause. The average general health was 3.7 ± 3.2, higher among those not exposed to NSI (p = 0.042).ConclusionNSI is a prevalent hazard in HCWs of HD units. The high rate of NSI and unreported cases, besides the lack of adequate information, indicates the necessity of implementing protocols and strategies for improving the safety of this personnel. It is difficult to compare the result of this study with those performed among HCWs in other settings; hence, further studies are needed to determine whether HCWs of these units are more exposed to NSIs.

A Study of Heavy Metal Status and its Relationship with Hematologic and Biochemical Indices in River Buffaloes in Southwest Iran.

Heavy metals are among the most important environmental pollutants which accumulate in various organs and are associated with several toxic effects. This study was performed to determine the status of heavy metals in river buffaloes in Khuzestan province, Iran, and its relationship with hematologic and serum biochemical parameters. A total of 103 apparently healthy buffaloes were sampled from the region. The concentration of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), was determined in serum samples by atomic spectroscopy. In addition, complete blood counts and serum biochemical profiles were assessed. The serum concentration of Cd, Pb, and Hg in the sampled buffaloes, as mean±standard error, were 0.55±0.01, 6.51±0.10, and 6.28±0.09 µg/l, respectively, which are within the permissible serum levels in the livestock. Serum Cd and Hg levels showed no significant relationship with hematologic or biochemical analytes. However, there were significant negative correlations between Pb levels and phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, as well as potassium concentrations, while serum iron was positively correlated with lead (P<0.05). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between Hg level and serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (P<0.05). Despite the fact that river buffaloes in Khuzestan spend a long time daily in the Karun River with high industrial pollution, no serum evidence of heavy metal toxicity was found in these animals. It can be suggested that river buffaloes in Khuzestan seem to be resistant to the environmental pollution caused by heavy metals. However, further studies are required to confirm this issue and identify its possible explanations.

Variation among populations of Trichogramma euproctidis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) revealed by life table parameters: perspectives for biological control.

The successful mass-rearing of potential biological control agents is a prerequisite for sustainable pest control. In this study, the performance of 3 Trichogramma euproctidis (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) populations collected from different locations in Khuzestan (Southwest Iran) were evaluated to optimize the egg parasitoid mass-rearing for augmentative biological control of lepidopteran pests. We aimed to investigate the effects of both population origin and host quality on biological traits of ovipositing females (number of parasitized eggs) and of their progeny (development time, survival rate, sex ratio, longevity, and fecundity). The effect of host quality was assessed by allowing the parasitoid to oviposit into 1, 2, 3, or 4-day-old Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs. The 3 T. euproctidis populations developed successfully regardless the age of the host eggs. However, we found significant variation among populations and a strong influence of host quality on the traits investigated. Progeny performance in all populations decreased with increasing host age. The best-performing population (collected in Mollasani) showed the highest parasitization rate, highest survival rate, and progeny sex ratio with the greatest percentage of females. A life table corroborated these findings with superior estimates of the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and reduced generation time (T) for the Mollasani population on 1-day-old host eggs. We conclude that ample variation exists among T. euproctidis populations and that rearing the Mollasani population on young rather than old eggs of E. kuehniella would be recommended to implement the biological control programs to target lepidopteran pests in Southwestern Iran.

Molecular and in Silico Analysis of &lt;i&gt;MEFV&lt;/i&gt; Variants in Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients in Southwest Iran

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is classified as an autoinflammatory genetic disease inherited by mutations in &lt;em&gt;MEFV&lt;/em&gt;. These mutations can affect the dysregulation of inflammatory processes in the human body and lead to fever and pain in the chest and abdomen. Many known missense mutations in &lt;em&gt;MEFV&lt;/em&gt; are linked to FMF disease. Mutations in &lt;em&gt;MEFV&lt;/em&gt; in most cases are located on the short arm of chromosome 16 and can impair the function of the pyrin protein. In this research, we aimed to examine the entire exons of &lt;em&gt;MEFV&lt;/em&gt; for 13 cases (8 females and 5 males) with FMF diagnosis from Southwest Iran. Hence, we amplified and sequenced the exons of &lt;em&gt;MEFV&lt;/em&gt; and then, in-silico analysis of detected changes was applied to estimate the probability of pathogenicity for the identified variants. Finally, we found five single nucleotide substitutions, including M694V (c.2080A&gt;G), R202Q (c.605G&gt;A), E447G (c.1430A&gt;G), E148Q (c.442G&gt;C), and V726A (c.2177T&gt;C), in the under-represented patients. The most frequent mutations in our study were R202Q (38.46%) within exon 2 and M694V (30.7%) within exon 10. Other mutations accounted for a further 23% of the alleles, including E477G (7.6%), E148Q (7.6%), and V726A (7.6%). According to the &lt;em&gt;in-silico&lt;/em&gt; analyses, including variation pathogenicity, protein structure, and allele frequency assessments, we concluded that all these variants could be considered in FMF molecular profiling in southwest Iran.

Investigation of Newcastle Disease Virus Infection in Pet Birds in the Southwest of Iran.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a serious threat to the international poultry industry. Therefore, to determine the role of pet birds (Psittaciformes and Passeriformes) in its spread and epidemiology, the presence of this virus in these birds was investigated. In this study, fecal and cloaca swabs from 63 Psittaciformes and 37 Passeriformes, along with tissue samples of dead birds, including proventriculus, trachea, lungs, and intestine, were collected from breeding and sales markets as well as the birds referred to Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. Isolation of the virus was performed by injecting the suspension of the samples into the allantoic fluid of fertilized eggs, and NDV was detected in the achieved allantoic fluids by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The NDV was detected in 13 allantoic samples. The partial F gene sequences of 10 positive samples were investigated, and their genetic relationship with each other as well as with other isolates in the gene bank was marked. Consequently, subgenotype VII.1.1 (VIId) was in the locus of all 10 viruses. By the amino acid cleavage site sequences of F protein, 10 isolates were determined as velogenic NDV. Moreover, all sequences were similar to each other and other Iranian isolates. Furthermore, the 112RRQKR/F117 pattern was the main amino acid (aa) sequence in the F-protein Cleavage site for VIId genotype isolates.

Morphometric cranial standards for sex estimation of a population in two ethnic groups in Southwest Iran

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the cephalometric landmarks, cranial measurements, and cephalic index based on geographical and ethnic characteristics to make a database for the southwest Iranian population. MethodIn this analytical cross-sectional study, different anatomic criteria were collected from head MRI images. The anthropometric measures taken included the maximum cranial length, maximum cranial height, maximum cranial breadth, cranial base length, foramen magnum length, upper facial height, lower facial height, foramen magnum breadth, bizygomatic breadth, orbital breadth, nasion-opisthion. The categorization of the head shape was based on the cephalic index. The cranial index was calculated using the equation ([maximum cranial breadth/maximum cranial length] × 100). These assessments were compared to define sexual dimorphism and inter-population variation in size and shape. ResultsSexual dimorphism existed in all cephalometric data except the cephalic index. The measurements comparisonin ethnicities showed that only (eu–eu) differs significantly between the two groups, which is 2,253 mm less in the Arab population compared to the Lur population (P value = 0.022). The cephalic index in males and females was found to be 73.66 and 75.08, respectively. Accordingly, 53.99% were dolichocephalic, 30.06% were mesocephalic, 14.11% were brachycephalic, and 1.84% were hyperbrachycephalic. The shape of the head had no relation to ethnicity but was related to sex (P value = 0.045). Conclusion: It is shown that cephalometric data can be used as diagnostic criteria to determine sex and ethnicity in the southwest Iranian population. It should be further verified on a greater sample size that evaluates more study age distribution.

Determining the source and mechanism of river salinity: An integrated regional study

Study regionZohreh River Basin, Southwest Iran Study focusThe salinity of Zohreh River sharply increases in three salinity zones (SZs) along the river named SZ1, SZ2 (the focus of this study), and SZ3. Determining the salinity sources and salinization mechanism using an integrated approach including geological, hydrochemical, isotopic, geophysical, river sinuosity and hydrocarbon analysis are the main objectives of this study. The study focuses on the combination of evidence of regional-scale (i.e., river sinuosity and seismic data) and small-scale (i.e., drilling core analysis). New hydrologic insights for the regionAmong several known sources of river salinity, it was found that the water quality of the Zohreh River is mainly threatened by the salt-bearing Gachsaran Formation and oil-field brine. It is concluded that halite brine and oil-field brine simultaneously cause the salinization in SZ2, and their contributions were delineated to be 95% and 5%, respectively. The lack of reliable geological evidence to support halite dissolution in surficial layers by circulating waters suggests the possibility of a deep source of halite brine in SZ2. The results revealed that deep halite brine of the salt layers of Gachsaran Formation is mainly responsible for the salinization of SZ2. The mechanism of deep brine penetration to the river through the hidden fault failures detected by the combination of river sinuosity analysis and geophysical data for the first time.

Molecular identification of non-tuberculous mycobacterial species isolated from extrapulmonary samples using real-time PCR and rpoB sequence analysis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of mortality among infectious diseases and accounts for a serious health hazard wordwide. Apart from TB, the members of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which includes around 170 species, may also cause different diseases in humans. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the distribution of NTM strains isolated from extrapulmonary (EP) samples by Real-Time PCR and PCR-sequencing methods in Southwest Iran. Three hundred and twenty-five suspected EP samples were collected from patients referred to the referral hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. The isolates were initially screened by acid fast staining and identified by phenotypic culture and biochemical tests. The Real-Time PCR and rpoB- based PCR methods were performed followed by sequence analysis of rpoB gene. From 124 samples, 77 (62%) were positive for NTM by culture and rpoB sequence analysis. M. fortuitum was the most commonly isolated NTM in present study. In Real-Time PCR, only 69 (55.64%) isolates showed more homology with standard NTM isolates. In general, the growing trend of EPNTM infections in Iran needs specific programs and resources to get a better diagnosis. PCR sequencing is a reliable method, it can be used for definitive identification of positive cultures for identification of NTM species.