Southwest Of Iran Research Articles

Correlates of oral health-related quality of life in a sample of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory joint disease that might exert significant effects on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study aimed to investigate OHRQoL in patients with RA.MethodsThis descriptive-analytical study involved 228 RA patients visiting the Jundishapur Dentistry School, Ahvaz, and dental clinics in Ahvaz, south west of Iran, in 2023. Data collection instruments included a demographic and clinical characteristics form, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and clinical oral examinations. The collected data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test and linear regression analysis in SPSS version 22.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 49.23 ± 10.83 years, and the majority were females. The DMFT index was 14.44 ± 6.63, the mean OHRQoL score was 24.72 ± 5.33, the mean general health score was 5.71 ± 2.21, and the mean disability severity score was 11.62 ± 62.11. Of all variables examined, gender, age, duration of RA, Khuzestan nativity status, smoking, anemia, hyperlipidemia, DMFT index, general health, disability, diabetes, acute kidney disease, and hypertension were significantly associated with OHRQoL(p > 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that OHRQoL is compromised in patients with RA. It is recommended that oral health receive greater attention from healthcare professionals managing RA patients and should be taken into account in daily practice of clinicians. Clinicians should develop multi-faceted care including oral health, dental health, general health and quality of life in addition to medical care for RA.

Determining factors affecting flood risk perception among local communities in Iran

Although climatic and environmental factors primarily determine the intensity of flood events, their impacts on residents are significantly influenced by human-related elements. Since the most floods are highly variable and unpredictable, it is crucial to enhance the capacity and resilience of residents to withstand and coexist with these disasters. To increase the resilience and adaptability of rural households in the face of floods, it is essential to first address individuals’ risk perception as a critical issue. This study was conducted with two primary. Objectives (1) to assess the current status of risk perception and (2) to identify the factors influencing flood risk perception (FRP) among local communities. The research population comprised all rural households in the Shushtar County (Southwest Iran) who had experienced at least one flood event. The primary research tool was a questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Correlation coefficient results indicated significant relationships between age, frequency of flood occurrence, education, distance of water channels and rivers from properties, flood exposure, housing quality, risk information, flood coping information, and financial incentives for recovery with dimensions of risk perception, namely preparedness, worry, awareness, and experience. Additionally, hierarchical regression results demonstrated that these variables could explain 55.4% of the variance in FRP. Overall, the findings of this study can significantly assist policymakers in designing flood risk reduction programs and facilitating safer living conditions in flood-prone areas.

Socioeconomic and Health Impacts of Dust Storms in Southwest Iran

Socioeconomic and Health Impacts of Dust Storms in Southwest Iran

Comparative analysis of correlation and causality inference in water quality problems with emphasis on TDS Karkheh River in Iran

Water quality management is a critical aspect of environmental sustainability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran where water scarcity is compounded by quality degradation. This study delves into the causal relationships influencing water quality, focusing on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) as a primary indicator in the Karkheh River, southwest Iran. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset spanning 50 years (1968–2018), this research integrates Machine Learning (ML) techniques to examine correlations and infer causality among multiple parameters, including flow rate (Q), Sodium (Na+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Calcium (Ca2+), Chloride (Cl−), Sulfate (SO42−), Bicarbonates (HCO3−), and pH. For modeling the causation, the “Back door linear regression” approach has been considered which establishes a stable and interpretable framework in causal inference by focusing on clear assumptions. Predictive modeling was used to show the difference between correlation and causation along with interpretability modeling to make the predictive model transparent. Predictive modeling does not report the causality among the variables as it showed Mg is not contributing to the target (TDS) while the findings reveal that TDS is predominantly positive influenced by Mg, Na, Cl, Ca and SO4, with HCO3 and pH exerting negative (inverse) effects. Unlike correlations, causal relationships demonstrate directional and often unequal influences, highlighting Mg as a critical driver of TDS levels. This novel application of ML-based causal inference in water quality research provides a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional experimental methods. The results underscore the potential of ML-driven causal analysis to guide water resource management and policy-making. By identifying the key drivers of TDS, this study proposes targeted interventions to mitigate water quality deterioration. Moreover, the insights gained lay the foundation for developing early warning systems, ensuring proactive and sustainable water quality management in similar hydrological contexts.

Coping with sand and dust storms: Developing and validating of an adaptation assessment tool

Introduction: Given the multitude of climate changes and the varying level of adaptation in different societies, it is necessary to measure the degree of adaptation to climate change in any society, as these aids in planning strategies to promote adaptation. Achieving such a goal requires the use of reliable, stable, and indigenous culture-based tools. The purpose of this study is to design and psychometrically assess the adaptation of Iranian society to dust. Materials and methods: The present investigation is a sequential exploratory combined study that utilizes an instrumentation approach. The primary tool, consisting of 101 design items, was developed Based on indicators extracted from two qualitative studies and a systematic review. Its face (quantitative and qualitative), content (qualitative and quantitative), and structural validity among 432 citizens of Ahvaz in southwest Iran were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis. The reliability of the tool was then calculated using Cronbach's alpha test and the intra -cluster correlation index. Results: After calculating the item effect score index with values higher than 1.5, the content validity ratio higher than 0.49, and the content validity index higher than 0.79, 40 items out of the initial 101 were selected. Through exploratory factor analysis, the items were further reduced to 34 and grouped into four areas, based on the eigenvalue being higher than 1. The tool's reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.974 and an Intra- Cluster Correlation index (ICC) of 0.951 with a 95% confidence interval. Conclusion: This study successfully designed and produced a tool for measuring the adaptability to dust, comprising 34 items categorized into four areas: optimistic capacity, adjustment, adaptation, and response. This tool can quantitatively measure society's adaptability to dust. With its strong validity and reliability, the tool can identify both the weakness and strengths of a society's adaptation to dust, compare the level of adaptation across different societies, and determine trends within a society.

Short-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution in Iran and related burden diseases

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to estimate the health effects attributed to PM2.5 exposure in southwest of Iran. In order to estimate HA-CVD, HA-RD, LC-M, I-As in children, RAD, and WDL, the exposure–response function method was used. The annual mean of PM2.5 regularly exceeded 5.26–8.5 times from 2021 annual limit value established by the WHO. The dominance of PM2.5 in PM2.5/PM10 ratio decreased −34.6% from 2015 to 2020. The results showed that the risks of HA-CVD (– 51. 9), HA-RD (– 68.7%), LC-M (– 43.6%), I-As (– 52.1%), RAD (– 56.8%), and WDL (– 58.7%) declined per 105 inhabitants between 2018 and 2020 . Reducing the particulate emissions from industries and road traffic led to lower exposure to PM2.5, which will be effective in decrease of mortality rate.

Seminal Plasma Levels of Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic) and Oxidative Status in Asthnozoospermic Men

Background: Recent evidence suggests a decline in sperm quality due to exposure to environmental toxicants. Several studies have reported the adverse effects of heavy metals on human reproductive efficiency. Objectives: This study analyzed the seminal levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and arsenic) and oxidative status, evaluating their relationships with sperm parameters in men from Ahvaz, southwest Iran. Methods: Semen quality, seminal lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activity were assessed in 100 men attending the Narges Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis Laboratory in Ahvaz, southwest Iran. Sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology were analyzed following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO, 2010). Seminal levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: Higher seminal levels of lead and cadmium were observed in asthenozoospermic men compared with normozoospermic individuals. Seminal levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic exhibited significant negative correlations with sperm concentration, total motility, and normal morphology. Additionally, higher concentrations of seminal lead and cadmium were associated with increased seminal levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Conclusions: The findings suggest an association between sperm quality and seminal oxidative status with seminal levels of lead and cadmium in men from Ahvaz, southwest Iran.

The Tomb of Two Priestesses? The Late Neo-Elamite Jubaji Tomb in a Religious-Royal Context

This article revisits one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in southwest Iran in recent decades, a rich early-mid 6th century BCE tomb of two women, unearthed near the village of Jubaji on the Ramhormoz plain in 2007. Based on the sumptuous grave assemblages and the inclusion of a gold ceremonial ‘ring’ inscribed with the name of a late Neo-Elamite king, Šutur-Nahunte son of Intata, the tomb’s excavator, Arman Shishegar, reasonably interpreted the women – one aged under 17 years, the other 30-35 years – as princesses. Here it is argued that the women may have been important figures in a religious institution based on a combination of the context of the tomb, which seems to have been in an association with a monumental structure, and certain elements of the assemblages. While none of the individual items is significant in isolation, when put together they are highly suggestive of a cultic environment. These include several semiprecious stone beads, including two inscribed eye-stones, that were already very ancient when deposited, special ritual paraphernalia, the bronze coffins that held the women’s remains, the inscribed gold ‘ring’ naming Šutur-Nahunte son of Intata, and an inscribed gold object (perhaps a bracelet) of a cult officiant. This is not to say that the roles of princess and priestess were by any means mutually exclusive, but it is the religious aspect that has yet to be investigated. A reassessment here of the significance of the inscribed objects from the Jubaji tomb in a religious context is taken as an occasion to publish new transliterations, translations, and analyses of the inscriptions by Gian Pietro Basello.

Inulin biopolymer as a novel material for sustainable soil stabilization

The development of new urban areas necessitates building on increasingly scarce land, often overlaid on weak soil layers. Furthermore, climate change has exacerbated the extent of global arid lands, making it imperative to find sustainable soil stabilization and erosion mitigation methods. Thus, scientists have strived to find a plant-based biopolymer that favors several agricultural waste sources and provides high strength and durability for sustainable soil stabilization. This contribution is one of the first studies assessing the feasibility of using inulin to stabilize soil and mitigate erosion. Inulin has several agricultural waste sources, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional additives. Soil samples susceptible to wind erosion were collected from a dust-prone area in southwest Iran and treated with inulin at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% by weight. Their mechanical strength was evaluated using unconfined compressive strength tests and a penetrometer. In addition, wind tunnel tests (at 16 m/s) were performed to investigate inulin’s wind erosion mitigation potential. The durability of treated samples was evaluated after ten wetting–drying cycles to assess the effect of environmental stressors. The results indicated a 40-fold increase in the unconfined compressive strength (up to 8 MPa) of the samples treated with 2% inulin and only 0.22% weight loss after ten wetting–drying cycles. SEM images revealed the formation of biopolymer-induced particle-to-particle bonds. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy indicated molecular (hydrogen) bonding of the biopolymer hydrogel-soil particles facilitated by the hydroxyl groups of inulin. The deterioration in stiffness and strength of treated samples was less noticeable after 3rd dry–wet cycle, indicating the durability of the samples. The durability of samples against wet–dry cycles was attributed to molecular bonding of soil-biopolymer hydrogel, as revealed by FTIR analysis.

A retrospective study of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the Khuzestan province of southwest Iran between 2002 and 2023.

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is among the most common causes of death. To our knowledge, there has been no study showing the prevalence of EPTB in Khuzestan province. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the prevalence of EPTB in patients with or without pulmonary TB in different cities of Khuzestan province from 2002 to 2023. Additionally, the correlation between patient's gender, and age groups with the disease was also investigated. In this retrospective study, the existing records in Tuberculosis Regional Reference Laboratory of Khuzestan province related to patients were used. The research was carried out by investigating the archive information in 19 years (from 1st January 2002 to December 30, 2023). All confirmed cases of EPTB and simultaneous EPTB and PTB, based on laboratory results and medical examination were included in the study. Patients with incomplete information and military TB were excluded from the study. Information collected from patients includes age, gender, involved organ, place of residence, and year of disease. A total of 12,900 EPTB-related medical records were extracted from Tuberculosis Regional Reference Laboratories in southwest Iran, Ahvaz. After excluding records, 12,836 clinically diagnosed or laboratory-confirmed tuberculosis patients were included in this study, including 5991 patients with simultaneous PTB and EPTB, and 6845 patients with EPTB only. The mean age of male EPTB patients was 37.5 years (SD ± 14.6), while the mean age of male patients with simultaneous PTB and EPTB was 45.8 years (SD ± 15.3). The mean age of female patients with EPTB only, and with simultaneous PTB and EPTB was 31.2 years (SD ± 12.6), and 31.5 years respectively. tuberculosis is a systemic disease with different clinical manifestations. This study described different epidemiologic patterns of concurrent EPTB. The proportion of different types of EPTB was simultaneously determined for a group of hospitalized patients and shown to be different with gender and age. This study will likely increase clinicians' awareness of the disease and help them better address diagnostic challenges and improve treatment outcomes for patients with EPTB.

Optimizing Wellbore Deviation and Azimuth to Minimize Sand Production Using a Hybrid Numerical Model in a Southwest Iran Oilfield

Optimizing Wellbore Deviation and Azimuth to Minimize Sand Production Using a Hybrid Numerical Model in a Southwest Iran Oilfield

Modeling the determinants of smoking behavior among young adults in Khuzestan province: a two-level count regression approach.

This study investigates the determinants of smoking behavior among young adults in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran, using two-level count regression models. Given the high prevalence of smoking-related diseases and the social impact of smoking, understanding the factors influencing smoking habits is crucial for effective public health interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1,973 individuals aged 18-35 years, using data from the Daily Smoking Consumption Survey (DSCS) in Khuzestan province collected in 2023. A variety of count regression models, including Poisson, Negative Binomial, Conway-Maxwell Poisson, and their zero-inflated counterparts, were evaluated. The best-fitting model was selected based on goodness-of-fit indices. Approximately 90% of participants were non-smokers. Among smokers, the prevalence of light, moderate, and heavy smoking was 47.7, 19.0, and 33.3%, respectively. The two-level Zero-Inflated Conway-Maxwell Poisson (ZICMP) model provided the appropriate fit for the data. Key determinants of daily cigarette consumption included gender, age, education, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Men consumed 3.24 times more cigarettes per day than women. Higher education levels were inversely related to smoking intensity, with MSc/PhD holders having significantly lower smoking rates. Age and BMI also significantly influenced smoking behavior, with younger and obese individuals showing lower smoking rates. The use of advanced count models capable of handling numerous zeros and overdispersion is crucial for accurately analyzing trends in cigarette consumption across different population groups. The results indicate that factors such as older age, lower education levels, and gender differences influence smoking behavior. Therefore, prevention strategies aimed at delaying the onset of smoking, particularly among men, and promoting education among adolescents can effectively reduce smoking rates. However, further research should consider additional socioeconomic variables and encompass a broader age range to enhance the understanding of smoking behavior.

Evaluation of the Sequence Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Environment of the Asmari Formation in the Southwest of Iran: (Case Study of Gurpi and Asmari Anticlines Masjed Soleiman Oil Field)

Evaluation of the Sequence Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Environment of the Asmari Formation in the Southwest of Iran: (Case Study of Gurpi and Asmari Anticlines Masjed Soleiman Oil Field)

On the use of displaced river terraces to characterize active tectonics of the Zagros orogenic belt, SW Iran

Investigating fault deformation in Late-Quaternary sediments provide valuable data to seismic hazard analysis especially relevant for the urban areas. Integration of displacement of geomorphic markers and ages of Quaternary sediment is needed to measure deformation rates accurately. In order to produce data on intermediate-term deformation rates along the Sabzpoushan Fault Zone (SFZ) situated in the Zagros Mountains of south-west Iran, the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating technique was applied to the tectonically influenced terraces of the Mianrod River passing through the fault zone. Field evidence and satellite imagery revealed that geomorphic markers include strike-slip displacement of terraces, different levels of the fluvial markers, shifting in Bakhtiary Formation, fast change in trend of the river and expansion of erosional gully, deformed horizontally along the Fault Zone. These geomorphic indices suggest that Mianrod River deflected along the SFZ as a consequence of faulting during multiple faulting cycles. The OSL dates obtained from the study area indicate that strike-slip deformation rate along the Sabzpoushan Fault Zone is 1–2.8 ± 0.2 mm y−1 (for ∼100 ka). It is suggestive from the research that a significant part of this estimated rate of deformation results from aseismic crustal deformation, but the areas with the highest likelihood of the Sabzpoushan near-surface deformation, as well as the west parts of the city of Shiraz, should be considered as high seismic hazard areas.

Machine Learning Enhances Soil Aggregate Stability Mapping for Effective Land Management in a Semi-Arid Region

Soil aggregate stability (SAS) is needed to evaluate the soil’s resistance to degradation and erosion, especially in semi-arid regions. Traditional laboratory methods for assessing SAS are labor-intensive and costly, limiting timely and cost-effective monitoring. Thus, we developed cost-efficient wall-to-wall spatial prediction maps for two fundamental SAS proxies [mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD)], across a 5000-hectare area in Southwest Iran. Machine learning algorithms coupled with environmental and soil covariates were used. Our results showed that topographic covariates were the most influential covariates in predicting these SAS proxies. Overall, our SAS maps are valuable tools for sustainable soil and natural resource management, enabling decision-making for addressing potential soil degradation and promoting sustainable land use in semi-arid regions.

The impact of Benson’s relaxation technique on the quality of life of operating room nurses in hospitals southwest Iran: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn clinical settings, continuous changes lead to increased professional stress, affecting the quality of life of nurses. Some complementary interventions may influence the improvement of the quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effect of Benson’s relaxation technique on the operating room nurses’ quality of life.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 180 operating room nurses were randomly allocated to two groups: intervention (Benson’s relaxation technique) and control (routine activity). The study was conducted from December 2021 to March 2022 in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Benson’s relaxation technique was performed twice daily by the intervention group for 8 weeks. Quality of life was measured before and after the intervention using the SF-36 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software, with a significance level set at a P < 0.05.ResultsAfter the intervention, the results showed that Benson’s relaxation technique led to an increase in the quality of life in the intervention group (P < 0.0001). In terms of quality-of-life dimensions, significant improvements were observed in the intervention group in the domains of physical problems (P < 0.05), emotional problems (P < 0.05), general health (P < 0.05), pain (P < 0.0001), and social functioning (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in the dimensions of physical functioning, energy, and emotional well-being.ConclusionsBenson’s relaxation technique can serve as a complementary method to improve various dimensions of the operating room nurses’ quality of life.Trial Registration NumberIRCT20211002052650N1 with the Clinical Trial Registry (26.10.2022).

Modeling and Assessing the Consequences of Oil Pipeline Leakage Using PHAST Software: A Case Study; Jarahi River in Southwest of Iran

Background: The aim of this study was to model and assess the consequences of an oil pipeline leakage using PHAST software: a case study involving the main 36" pipeline passing over the Jarahi River. This pipeline spans the distance between Ahvaz-Omidiyeh, covering 85 km from Ahvaz to Omidiyeh, specifically the Meshrage section, situated above the crossing bridge of Meshrage. The Jarahi River encompasses approximately one kilometer of the study area for this investigation. Methods: The failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method was utilized to design various scenarios after identifying high risks using available documents. Subsequently, the PHAST software was employed to simulate the effects of pipeline leakage and determine its secure perimeter. Relevant information was inputted into the software, and the results were obtained in diagram form based on the selected scenarios. Conclusion: The study evaluated the consequences of pipeline leakage and the dispersion of materials into the environment across three categories: impacts of materials dispersed into the environment, explosion, and fire development. The secure perimeter for each of these scenarios was determined. Finally, risk reduction strategies for the investigation were presented.

Analyzing regional reservoir quality trends of the Lower Cretaceous carbonate formation, from the Abadan Plain to Northern Dezful Embayment, Zagros Basin

The Fahliyan Formation is an important reservoir in southwest Iran, with a significant hydrocarbon reserve. For the first time, this paper assesses the changes in the reservoir characteristics of the Fahliyan Formation on a regional scale to understand why in some areas this formation acts as an effective reservoir. Still, in other areas, it is completely non-reservoir. The results of this study show that from the middle of the studied area, the characteristics of the Fahliyan Formation in the northern and southern parts changed drastically and suddenly. From south to north, the lithology of this formation changes from clean limestone to shaly limestone and shale. Also, in this direction, the effective porosity is greatly reduced and the water saturation increases up to 100%. The investigation of the velocity deviation log (VDL) shows that diagenesis processes have also been effective in the carbonate parts. Generally, the northern parts of the studied area are not recommended for drilling wells for the Fahliyan reservoir. The results obtained in this article are completely consistent with the previous studies on the Iraqi side indicating changes in the characteristics of the Fahliyan Formation due to variation of the depositional environment.

The Extra Length of Stay, Costs, and Mortality Associated With Healthcare-Associated Infections: A Case-Control Study.

This study aims to compare the mortality rate, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization cost in patients with and without healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). This prospective cohort study is conducted on 396 matched patients admitted to a tertiary teaching hospital with 800 beds in the southwest of Iran from July 2021 to January 2022. The cases were patients admitted during the study period who had, at minimum, one type of HCAI. For a comparison group, we considered all patients without HCAIs who hospitalized in the same ward and at the same time with the same age and gender in a ratio of one case to three controls. Descriptive analyses were done based on direct medical costs, LOS, and mortality rate in patients. The magnitude of the relationship between potential risk factors and HCAI was quantified using logistic regression. The most common HCAI and microorganisms were urinary tract infection (UTI) and Escherichia coli, respectively. The mean LOS for infected patients was 20.3 (±16) days, compared to 8.7 (±8.6) days for noninfected patients (p value ≤ 0.05). Lengths of stay (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.06-1.19; p value = 0.000), ICU lengths of stay (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.02-1.15; p value = 0.003), presence of central Catheter (OR = 0.127; 95% CI = 0.51-0.319; p value = 0.000), and urinary catheter (OR = 0.225; 95% CI = 0.122-0.415; p value = 0.000), mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.136; 95% CI = 0.57-0.325; p value = 0.000), receipt of immunosuppressors (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 11.12-3.56; p value = 0.01), were Significantly associated with HCAI. Patients with infections had a more costly hospital stay than noninfected patients (mean diff: $2037.46 ([SD]: 482.25$) (p value = 0.000). The highest cost component was the cost of medication expenditure (mean: $1612.66 ([SD]: $2542.27). UTI was the most common HCAI in our study. An infection acquired during a hospital stay may be associated with higher hospitalization costs, prolonged hospitalization, and an increase in the rate of mortality. Longer lengths of stay, presence of central and urinary Catheters, receipt of immunosuppressors, use of mechanical ventilator were common risk factors for HCAI. This study reveals that the median reimbursement cost per hospitalization of patients with HCAIs was higher than patients without HCAIs. This highlights the necessity for implementation of HCAI prevention and control measures.

Biostratigraphic Correlation of the Kazhdumi Formation in the Ghavam-Abad and Banesh Sections (Fars Province) in Southwest of Iran

Biostratigraphic Correlation of the Kazhdumi Formation in the Ghavam-Abad and Banesh Sections (Fars Province) in Southwest of Iran