Southwest Of Iran Research Articles

Association of HLA-DQ4/5 genotype polymorphisms with celiac disease in a group of children in Southwest Iran: A case-control study.

Celiac disease (CD) has proinflammatory and pathogenic immune responses to gluten in intestinal tissue, leading to structural changes in the mucosa of the small intestine. The association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and DQ8 genotypes with CD has been previously reported. This test has a negative predictive value close to 100%, so its main purpose is to rule out the detection of CD completely or almost completely. There is limited information regarding HLA-DQ4/5 in CD. This study was conducted to determine the HLA-DQ4/5 genotypes in a group of Southwestern Iranian children with CD. We conducted a case-control study in Southwest Iran involving 100 participants, employing a nonprobabilistic sampling method. Samples were taken from participants' oral buccal mucosa at Imam Sajjad Hospital of Yasuj, Iran. Then DNA was extracted from these samples and used to determine the frequency of HLA-DQ4/5 genotypes through Sequence-Specific Primer-Polymerase Chain Reaction assay. SPSS 20 was utilized for statistical analyses. Fifty diagnosed patients with CD (high anti-tissue transglutaminase [tTG]-IgA level [upper limit of normal] with pathological findings of Marsh III) and 50 non-CD individuals (normal anti-tTG-IgA level and normal total IgA level) were enrolled in the study from August 5, 2022 to October 15, 2023. Findings showed that the DQ4a*4b allele has the highest frequency in the CD samples (78%, p < 0.01) followed by the DQ5a*5b allele (12%, p < 0.01). Additionally, there was a higher prevalence of DQ4/DQ5 in patients with CD compared to controls (odds ratio = 6.5, confidence interval = 0.84 to 69.46, p < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant association was found among HLA DQ4/5 genotype, age (>9.5) (p < 0.01), and gender (female) (p < 0.05). The observed significant differences among HLA-DQ4 and HLA-DQ5 in Iranian CD samples against controls and the high value of the relative risks showed the significant function of the studied alleles in the prevalence of CD in Iranian patients.

Four-Year Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Resistance Rate of Neonatal Blood Cultures in a Major Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Shiraz, Southwest Iran

Background: Bacterial infections are the leading cause of death in newborns. The growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a major concern. In this study, we identified isolates from blood cultures in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a major referral hospital in Shiraz in southwest Iran and determined antibiotic resistance patterns. Methods: All newborns admitted to the NICU were evaluated in a four-year study. The blood samples were cultured using a BACTEC system. From May 2015 to March 2020, 5937 blood culture samples were analyzed. The antibacterial sensitivity test was conducted using the disk diffusion method, following the guidelines of Clinical &amp; Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2018. Results: In this study, 507 isolates were obtained from 5937 specimens. The most commonly isolated gram-negative bacteria were Acinetobacter (8.7%), Escherichia coli (5.7%), Klebsiella (1.6%), Enterobacter (1.4%), and Pseudomonas (0.9%). Among the gram-positive bacteria, coagulase-positive staphylococci (51.1%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (15.4%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (10.2%), non-hemolytic streptococci (2.4%), alpha-hemolytic streptococci (1.4%), and Streptococcus pneumonia (1.3%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria. Of the 318 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 88.5% were resistant to methicillin. Conclusion: Staphylococcus, with a high frequency in the NICU, can be an alarm for medical centers. Also, in dead infants, the most observed bacterial infection was Acinetobacter infection, which requires the serious attention of the hospital infection control unit.

Level of heavy metals and environmental pollution index in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran

This study was designed to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals (HMs) in the north of Ahvaz, southwest Iran. The soil samples were collected from the agricultural farm and riverside in Karun, for the investigation of the environmental impacts of the selected HMs in the soil of the Weiss and Arab Assad regions. For soil sampling in a period, nine farms were selected from each region, and 10 samples were taken from each agricultural farm. Zoning was done using GIS. The highest of Contamination Factor, Enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index of HMs for Cd (7.84, 73.92 and 2.38), and the lowest value of this index for Cr (0.21, 1.98 and − 2.82), respectively. Furthermore of the farm soil showed that the most toxic effect is related to Cd. The HMs contamination indices of the soil samples showed that the studied HMs had contaminated the agricultural fields. Moreover, the zoning maps of the Co, Cu, Pb and Cr showed that they had not contaminated the soil of wheat fields, but Cd and Zn revealed high contamination levels. The zoning of Ni concentration distribution showed that this metal contamination came from both anthropogenic aspects and geological activities in the region. According to our findings, the EF illustrated high levels of pollution for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Fe, Mn, Co, and Zn, which seems to be in accordance with the accumulation of agricultural fertilizers (phosphate and nitrate), industrial and human activities in the region.

Estimation of pore-type distribution utilizing petrophysical data and rock physics modeling on an Iranian carbonate reservoir

Pore types in carbonate reservoirs are more complex than their sandstone counterparts due to the wide spectrum of their depositional environments and their more complicated post-depositional processes. This means that a good knowledge of pore types is vital in determining carbonate formation’s elastic and reservoir properties. This study aims to develop a multi-physics approach to determine pore-type variations in a carbonate reservoir using well log information from one of the oilfields of the Abadan Plain in southwest Iran. Firstly, we determined lithology, porosity, and fluid content by interpreting conventional well logs (gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron, photoelectric, and P-wave sonic). Then, nuclear magnetic resonance data were used to determine different pore types within the Main Ilam and Sarvak formations. We distinguished between clay, micro, meso, and macro pore types. We confirmed our interpretation results using thin sections, scanning electron microscopy photographs, and pore-size distribution on the available core plugs. Finally, a carbonate rock physics model was employed to model sonic velocities using petrophysical interpretation along with pore-type determination results. A good match between modeled and measured sonic velocities confirmed that using nuclear magnetic resonance data for pore-type determination can reasonably estimate pore-type variations needed for rock physics modeling. The standard industry procedure for carbonate rock physics modeling uses sonic logs, core data, or thin sections to determine pore types. We offer a substitute approach with reasonable accuracy for pore-type modeling needed for carbonate rock physics modeling. We modeled pore types independently from sonic velocity and used them to predict P-wave velocity with a correlation coefficient of 92 and 64 percent accuracy in the Main Ilam and Sarvak formations.Graphical abstract

Investigating the Role of e-Learning Skills in the Satisfaction and Academic Success of Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: E-learning was considered an appropriate alternative to face-to-face education during the COVID-19 pandemic. It ensured the continuity of learning and protected students against the risk of virus transmission in the university environment. Objectives: The present study investigates the role of e-learning skills in the academic success and satisfaction of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The statistical population of the present study included all medical students at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in southwest Iran in 2021. Ultimately, 260 people participated in the study. To collect data, two researcher-made questionnaires were used: One for assessing e-learning skills and another for measuring students' academic satisfaction. Additionally, the GPA from their previous three semesters was used to measure the level of academic success. Results: The results revealed that e-learning skills (mean ± SD = 3.79 ± 0.68), academic satisfaction (mean ± SD = 3.88 ± 0.65), and student's academic success (mean ± SD = 15.8 ± 1.62) were above the average. Also, a positive and significant correlation was found between the e-learning skills of students and their level of academic success and satisfaction. Conclusions: According to the results, there was relative satisfaction with e-learning compared to traditional teaching techniques. Having e-learning skills also increased satisfaction and, thus, improved the academic success of students. In other words, this learning method helped students improve their academic performance as well as their clinical and communication skills.

Study of MIC of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles, strong and cost-effective antibacterial against biofilm-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Shiraz, Southwest of Iran

BackgroundAcinetobacter baumannii resistant strains lead to increased mortality, treatment costs, and an increase in the length of hospitalization. Nowadays, nanoparticles are considered a substitute for antibiotics. This study aimed to determine the MIC of Silver (Ag) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs) on Biofilm-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii and determine the relationship between MIC and frequency of efflux pump genes in cutaneous specimens in Shiraz, Southwest Iran in 2021–2022.MethodsIn this study, specimens were collected from April 2021 to June 2022 at Namazi and Faqihi Hospitals in Shiraz. Investigation of biofilm production in multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates was done by the microtiter plate method. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. The MIC of AgNPs and ZnONPs for isolates was done using the method described in the CLSI guideline (2018). The antibacterial effect of MIC of NPs on inanimate objects was done by colony counts. The prevalence of efflux pump genes (adeR, adeC, adeA, abeM, adeK, adeI) was also investigated by PCR technique.ResultsThe highest ceftriaxone resistance (68%) and lowest colistin resistance (7%) were identified. 57% of isolates were MDR. In addition, 71.9% could produce biofilm and 28.1% of isolates could not produce biofilm. The average size of AgNPs and ZnONPs in the present study is 48 and < 70 nm, respectively. The nanoparticles were spherical. The MIC and the MBC of the ZnONPs were in the range of 125 to 250 µg/mL respectively. Also, for AgNPs, the MIC and the MBC were in the range of 62.5 to 250 µg/ml, respectively. AbeM gene had the highest frequency and the AdeK gene had the lowest frequency. Statistical analysis showed that there is a relationship between the frequency of adeA, adeC, and adeM genes with the MIC of AgNPs and ZnONPs.ConclusionAccording to the results of the present study, inanimate objects such as scalpels in contact with AgNPs (6000 µg/ml for 240 min) or ZnONPs (5000 µg/ml for 120 min) can be free of biofilm producing Acinetobacter baumannii with efflux pump genes.

The combination of climate information services in the decision-making process of farmers to reduce climate risks: Application of social cognition theory

One of the main instruments of risk management and climate risk reduction in the agricultural sector is the use of climate information services (CIS). Meteorological information can be useful for society by increasing the efficiency of resource consumption and helping to improve decision-making management. However, there is a gap between the production and implementation of weather forecasts, and that is the lack of practical use of weather forecasts in the agricultural decision-making process. In doing so, this research was conducted with the main objective of identifying components influencing the utilize of CIS by farmers in southwest Iran. The research utilized social cognitive theory (SCT) as the underlying framework, employing a survey method and employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for analysis. The research encompassed all farmers residing in Dezful city within the Khuzestan province, located in the southwest of Iran. The results showed that the variables of SCT, namely outcome expectations, perception of others’ behavior, self-efficacy, socio-structural, and behavioral intentions are very powerful in identifying factors affecting farmers’ use of CIS and can account for 76.4% of the variance of farmers’ behavior. Therefore, these research results can provide essential help to authorities to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture.

The Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Sheep in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest Iran

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects many different species, including humans. It can cause serious clinical symptoms, including neurological symptoms and abortion. Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent, is particularly concerning due to sheep's extraordinary sensitivity to the disease. It can spread zoonotically through the ingestion of undercooked meat from infected animals. Numerous global investigations have demonstrated that T. gondii seroprevalence in sheep can vary greatly based on biological and environmental characteristics. Methods: To examine the biological and environmental factors that could influence the probability of ovine infection, samples were taken from a subset of sheep kept on 20 farms. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to detect antibodies in sera samples from 247 sheep in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran. Results: Sixty of the 247 sera examined (24.3%) contained T. gondii antibodies. Among these, 51 (25.4%) of the ewes and 9 (19.6%) of the rams had antibodies against T. gondii. Adult sheep (27.3%) had a greater seroprevalence compared to younger sheep (17.3%). Additionally, there were significant seasonal variations, with wet seasons showing a higher prevalence. Conclusions: Age, cats' access to water sources, the source of drinking water, and the season were all associated with T. gondii seroprevalence.

Biomonitoring of airborne microplastics and microrubbers in Shiraz, Iran, using lichens and moss.

Microplastics (MPs) and microrubbers (MRs) determined in lichens and mosses around Shiraz. In lichens, MPs mainly thin fibres up to 1 MP g-1; MRs were < 0.1 MP g-1. In mosses, abundances were similar but with a greater fraction of larger, non-fibrous particles. Larger MPs and MRs decreased in abundance with distance and elevation from Shiraz. Around Shiraz, the common moss, Grimmia critina, would be the most suitable biomonitor. Lichens and mosses have been employed as biomonitors of atmospheric particulate pollutants, like metals and industrial solids, for many decades. Here, we evaluated the potential of nine species of crustose and foliose lichens and a widely distributed moss (Grimmia critina) to act as biomonitors of airborne microplastics (MPs) and microrubbers (MRs). About 200 lichens and 40 mosses were sampled across different altitudinal transects in the vicinity of Shiraz City, southwest Iran, and MPs and MRs were quantified and characterised after sample peroxidation. In most species of lichen, MP and MR abundance overall was < 1g-1 and < 0.1g-1, respectively, and the majority of plastics were fibres of < 10 µm in diameter and < 1000 µm in length. Respective weight normalised abundances of MPs and MRs were similar in G. critina, but there were greater proportions of both larger (> 1000µm) and non-fibrous particles among the MPs. In both lichens and moss, there was a greater number of larger MPs and MRs at locations closest to and at the same elevation as Shiraz than at more distant and elevated locations, suggesting an inverse relationship between particle size and distance travelled. Among the lichens, members of the genus Acarospora, with their areolated form, appeared to act as the most suitable biomonitors for MPs and MRs. Overall, however, the wide distribution of the moss, G. crinita, and its ability to intercept and accumulate a broader range of sizes and shapes of MPs and MRs make this species a better choice, at least in the type of environment studied.

Prevalence and risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection in hemodialysis patients in southwest Iran.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, particularly in developing countries. Diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in hemodialysis patients is crucial because of the risk of developing active tuberculosis in this population due to attenuated immune response. Herein, we assessed the prevalence of LTBI in hemodialysis patients. In this cross-sectional study, we included all patients referred to hemodialysis centers in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, southwest Iran, in 2018 through census sampling. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was utilized to screen the patients for LTBI. All steps were done by trained physicians. In total, 183 patients (mean age: 59.3, SD= 16.0) were included in the study of which 76 (41.5%) were females, and 107 (58.5%) were males. Neither the patients nor their family members had a history of tuberculosis. Assuming an above 5-millimeter enduration as a positive TST result, 22 patients (12%) had LTBI. None of the demographic or clinical features differed between TST -negative and -positive groups. Hemodialysis patients are prone to LTBI due to several immunological and environmental factors. Screening for LTBI may be beneficial to prevent active tuberculosis in this population.

Evaluation of Morphological Variants of Soft Palate in Individuals with Different Skeletal Patterns Using Digital Lateral Cephalometric Images

Background and Objectives The soft palate has morphological variations in lateral cephalometric images. Several studies are available on the analysis of the dimensions of the soft palate, but few have investigated the morphology of the soft palate. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between morphological variations of the soft palate and types of malocclusion in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Subjects and Methods In this descriptive-analytical study, the lateral cephalometric images of 162 patients with abnormal skeletal pattern available in the archive of the Radiology Department of Jundishapur School of Dentistry in Ahvaz were used. The radiographs were divided into 6 groups (leaf shape, rat tail shape, butt like, straight line, distorted soft palate, and crook shape) under the supervision of a radiologist. The data were analyzed to determine the relationship between soft palate morphology and skeletal pattern . Results The results showed that 51.2% of the patients’ skeletal pattern were class two, 37% were class one, and 11.8% were class three . The most prevalent soft palate morphology observed in this study was the "rat tail" shape, accounting for 61.7% of all participants. This morphology was consistently the most common across all investigated skeletal classifications. The "leaf" shape followed in prevalence, representing 18.5% of the sample. The least frequent morphology, identified in only 2.5% of participants, was the "S-shaped" type. This pattern of prevalence held true within each individual skeletal pattern as well. Conclusion Rat tail shape of soft palate was by far the most common morphology while distorted soft palate or S-shaped soft palate was the rarest form of soft palate in patients. There is no relationship between the skeletal pattern of the jaw and the morphology of the soft palate in the studied population .

High prevalence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa carrying integron and exoA, exoS, and exoU genes isolated from burn patients in Ahvaz, southwest Iran: A retrospective study.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an opportunistic pathogen produces several virulence factors. This study evaluated the relative frequency of exoenzymes (exo) A, U and S genes and integron classes (I, II, and III) among multi-drug-resistant clinical P. aeruginosa isolates from burn patients in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. In this cross-sectional study P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered from 355 wound samples. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done by disk agar diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. MDR isolates were defined if they showed simultaneous resistance to 3 antibiotics. Extensively drug-resistant was defined as nonsusceptibility to at least one agent in all but two or fewer antimicrobial categories. The presence of class I, II, and III integrons and virulence genes was determined using a PCR assay on extracted DNA. Overall, 145 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were confirmed with biochemical and PCR tests. Overall, 35% (52/145) of the isolates were taken from males and 64% (93/145) from female hospitalized burn patients. The highest resistance rates of P. aeruginosa isolates to antibiotics were related to piperacillin 59% (n = 86/145) and piperacillin-tazobactam 57% (n = 83/145). A total of 100% of isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. MDR and XDR P. aeruginosa had a frequency of 60% and 29%, respectively. The prevalence of integron classes I, II, and III in P. aeruginosa was 60%, 7.58%, and 3.44%, respectively. IntI was more common in MDR and XDR P. aeruginosa isolates. In addition, 70(48%) of P. aeruginosa isolates did not harbor integron genes. Besides, exoA, exoS, and exoU in P. aeruginosa had a frequency of 55%, 55%, and 56%, respectively. It was found that P. aeruginosa as a potent pathogen with strong virulence factors and high antibiotic resistance in the health community can cause refractory diseases in burn patients.

Geochemical evaluation of Sarvak oil reservoir using biomarkers, carbon isotope and trace element: A case study from Southwest Iran

The crude oils of the Sarvak reservoir were studied by integrated geochemical, inorganic and isotopic analyses to evaluate the origin, depositional conditions, geological age, thermal maturity of the source rocks and possible facies from which these oils were sourced. This study provides new insights into the Middle-Jurassic age source rock in the Azar Oilfield. This is the first geochemical study in Azar Oilfield where non-biomarker parameters and biomarker parameters were utilized to achieve the objectives. The n-alkane distribution pattern along with their standard ratios, including CPI (0.83–1.03), TAR (0.18–0.29) and isoprenoids (Pr/Ph, 0.52–0.65) as well as pristane/n-C17 versus phytane/n-C18 cross-plot indicate a marine source of the organic matter deposited in an anoxic condition. The sterane parameters such as C27 and C29 are characterized by the predominance of C27ααα-20R steranes (41%–49%) and also depict the algal source of organic matter. The organic input and facies of the source units were also determined by terpanes C29/C30H, Ts/Tm, C35/C34-HH, and DBT/Phen. The relatively high ratio of C29/C30H along with the ratios of Ts/Tm (<0.5) and C35/C34 (>0.8) reflect the carbonate marine facies of the source rocks. Furthermore, the higher values of the homohopane index (>0.1) along with the low ratio of the gammacerane/C30-H (0.06–0.22) as well as the high ratio of V/Ni (>1) further indicate anoxic environments. The dibenzothiophene/phenanthrene ratios of the oil samples (from 2.43 to 3.25) indicate the marine carbonates/marl zone. This genetic classification is also supported by stable carbon isotopic compositions (δ1³C). Most of the maturity-related biomarkers and non-biomarker parameters such as CPI, steranes-C29S/(S + R), ββ/(αα+ββ), moretane to hopane (M29/C30H), pentacyclic terpanes C27Ts/(Ts + Tm), C32-S/(S + R) hopanes, and methyl phenanthrene index agree that the analyzed oils have originated from mature source rocks. Ultimately, this study has demonstrated that analyses of biomarkers and their stable isotope compositions (δ13C and δ34S) complemented with trace element data provide an excellent novel tool for better understanding the basic concepts in petroleum basins and for solving a wide range of problems during petroleum exploration.

Biofilm generation and antibiotic resistant profile of extensive and multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from burn patients in Ahvaz: A cross-sectional study.

Multidrug and extensive drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was extracted from burn patients referring to burn centers in southwest Iran so that biofilm generation and antibiotic resistance could be investigated. A specific primer was used to confirm all our considered 110 P. aeruginosa culture-positive reports on 345 burn patients. The resistance of P. aeruginosa to seven antibiotics and Colistin with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed. Biofilm formation was assessed by the phenotypic study of specimens under Congo red agar and microtiter plate assays. One hundred and 10 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates taken from burn wound infections were validated. Among P. aeruginosa isolates, Piperacillin, Ceftazidime, Maeropenem, Gentamycin, and Gatifloacin had the highest resistance to antibiotics, while Ticarcillin-Clavulanic acid and Ceftolozane-Tazobactam showed the least resistance. MICs were then evaluated via the E test. Seven isolates were resistant to colistin. Colistin reference MICs for multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa prevalence was 38%, while it was 22% for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) P. aeruginosa. One P. aeruginosa was pandrug-resistant (PDR). Under Congo red agar test, 66 isolates (67%) formed biofilms and black colonies, whereas 44 isolates (50%) had red colonies. In MTP, 76% formed biofilm. 40%, 32%, 21% of the isolates were strong, moderate, and weak biofilm formers, respectively, while 43% did not form biofilms. The P. aeruginosa resistance to antimicrobial agents has largely challenged the control of the infection. Accordingly, a higher resistance occurred when the isolates were transferred to the patients. Less than 50% P. aeruginosa samples generated strong biofilms. Consequently, hygienic measurements are essential to inhibit P. aeruginosa transmission to hospitalized patients.

Examination of Tumor-related Biomarkers in Women with Breast Cancer Referred to Naft Hospital of Ahvaz, Southwest Iran

Introduction: Breast cancer is acknowledged as the most prevalent form of cancer in women. The aim of the present study was to examine tumor-related biomarkers such as ER, PR, HER2/neu, P53, Ki-67, CEA, CA-125, and CA 15-3 in women with breast cancer referred to Naft Hospital of Ahvaz, southwest Iran. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional investigation. A total of 100 Iranian women patients were selected who were diagnosed with breast cancer tumors (stage 3). All tumor markers like CEA, CA 15-3, and CA-125 were determined using a chemiluminescent instrument. In addition, the immunohistochemical technique was used to analyze the expression of ER, PR, HER/neu, Ki-67 antigen, and P53 protein. Results: The mean of patients' age was 48.53 ± 9.57 years. ER accounted for the highest frequency (73, or 73%) out of 100 cases. There were 69 (69%), 55 (55%), and 53 (53%) positive cases for PR, HER2/neu, and P53, respectively. The chi-square analysis revealed a significant difference for HER2/neu and P53 biomarkers (p = 0.027). The odds ratio was 2.625 [95% CI: (1.167-5.906)], and the positive correlation between them was 0.236 (p = 0.018). Moreover, a significant difference was found for ER and PR biomarkers (p &lt; 0.0001), and the odds ratio was 18.25 [95% CI: (7.039- 47.319)]. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.908, p &lt; 0.0001) between ER and PR. A remarkable positive correlation (r = 0.256, p = 0.010) was also observed between CEA and CA 15-3 biomarkers. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the highest frequency of tumor-associated biomarkers was ER, and there was a positive correlation between ER and PR, HER2/neu, and P53, as well as CEA and CA 15-3.

Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Among Asymptomatic Healthcare Workers of Dezful Ganjavian Hospital, Southwest Iran

Background: The 21st century has seen the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Objectives: Given the elevated risk of COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers, our objective was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic healthcare workers at Dezful Ganjavian Hospital in 2021. Methods: A total of 276 participants were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The study assessed the participants' medical history, including autoimmune diseases, corticosteroid administration, and underlying conditions. Additionally, the history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure to COVID-19 patients was recorded. Results: The results showed that 32.6% of the participants had a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. No significant associations were found between the previous infection history and variables such as sex, age, corticosteroid administration, autoimmune disease, or exposure to COVID-19 patients. However, a significant association was observed between the participants' history of COVID-19 and underlying conditions. Serum analysis revealed that 10.1% of the participants tested positive for IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, while 1.8% tested positive for IgM antibodies. A significant relationship was found between the presence of IgG antibodies and a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similarly, all participants with IgM antibodies had a history of previous infection. Conclusions: The study findings indicate that a significant proportion of asymptomatic healthcare workers at Dezful Ganjavian Hospital have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. These results can inform infection control measures and help protect both healthcare workers and patients in the hospital setting.

Comparison of atherogenic indices for predicting the risk of metabolic syndrome in Southwest Iran: results from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study (HCS)

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Given that early identification of MetS might decrease CVD risk, it is imperative to establish a simple and cost-effective method to identify individuals at risk of MetS. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between several atherogenic indices (including AIP, TyG index, non-HDL-C, LDL-c/HDL-c, and TC/HDL-c) and MetS, and to assess the ability of these indices to predict MetS.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from 9809 participants of the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study (HCS). MetS was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). To examine the discriminatory abilities of each atherogenic indices in the identification of MetS, a receiver-operating characteristic curve was conducted. Logistic regression analysis was also performed to evaluate the relationship between atherogenic indices and MetS.ResultsAll of the atherogenic indices including the TyG index, AIP, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-c, and LDL-c/HDL-c were significantly higher in participants with MetS than in those without MetS. According to the ROC curve analysis, the TyG index revealed the highest area under the curve (0.79 and 0.85 in men and women, respectively), followed by the AIP (0.76 and 0.83 in men and women, respectively). The best cutoff values for the TyG index and AIP were 8.96 and 0.16 for men and 8.84 and 0.05 for women, respectively. The TyG index and AIP were also strongly associated with MetS.ConclusionAmong the 5 atherogenic indices evaluated, the TyG index and AIP were strongly related to MetS. The TyG index also demonstrated superior discriminative ability compared to other atherogenic indices in predicting MetS.

Robust kernel extreme learning machines with weighted mean of vectors and variational mode decomposition for forecasting total dissolved solids

A stable and accurate forecast of water quality parameters is crucial for planning and managing future investment programs. A well-known water quality indicator is the total dissolved solids (TDS), which measures the number of metals, minerals, and salts dissolved in a particular volume of water. This paper introduces an innovative approach, which combines the kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) with the robust weight mean of vectors (INFO) algorithm. The proposed technique stands out for its strategic integration of Boruta-XGBoost (B-XGB) as an exceptional feature selection method, along with variational mode decomposition (VMD) to decompose the input variables and enhance the accuracy of forecasting. The integrated model is termed V-KELM-INFO. INFO is an essential component that incorporates a complex exploration process. It utilizes a weighted mean of vectors, a vector combining operator to enhance population variety, and a localized search operator to expedite convergence. INFO, a potent tool, is included in the V-KELM training stage. It efficiently extracts optimum parameters and dramatically improves the accuracy of monthly TDS predictions at the Idenak station in southwest Iran. Also, the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach of weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) is used to rank models. The V-KELM-INFO model was chosen based on the WASPAS results and statistical metrics (R = 0.962, RMSE = 57.84, WHD = 7.01, and U95 = 160.74) as the best model to forecast the TDS. In addition, the superiority of the proposed model was assessed against the metaheuristic-based V-KELM models, comprising the V-KELM grey wolf optimizer (V-KELM-GWO), V-KELM slime mold algorithm (V-KELM-SMA), and V-KELM equilibrium optimizer (V-KELM-EO). This work provided insight into improving the accuracy of modeling-based methodologies and spurred water quality modeling technology to develop sustainable and clean practices.

Assessing Evidence-Based Practice in Operating Room Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Southwest of Iran.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making process that is grounded in the utilization of the most reliable and up-to-date evidence. It involves utilizing resources and evidence to enhance patient management. The application of evidence-based decisions in patient care and education is of utmost importance in the performance of health sciences students. However, the emphasis on this concept among operating room nursing students has been lacking. Hence, the objective of this research is to assess the implementation of evidence-based practice among operating room nursing students studying in the operating room department at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The study follows a descriptive, cross-sectional design, with a sample of 148 operating room nursing students selected through census sampling based on the student list. After obtaining informed consent, participants completed a demographic information form and the Rubin-Parrish evidence-based practice questionnaire. The data that were gathered underwent analysis through the utilization of SPSS version 22 software, employing descriptive statistics, T-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests. The results revealed that the overall average score of evidence-based practice among the students exceeded the standard scores (172.66 ± 14.74). There was a significant association between the evidence-based practice score and prior familiarity with evidence-based practice, interest in the field of study, research experience, intention to participate in the Master's exam, and the participants' grade point average (GPA) (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that operating room nursing students displayed an average level of evidence-based practice, emphasizing the need for effective plans and strategies to improve their performance. Addressing the identified factors from this study becomes crucial in this regard.

Factors predicting self-care behavior of cardiovascular patients during the COVID-19 epidemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 virus has had wide-ranging effects on all healthcare systems and a direct impact on all areas of human life in all countries around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive actions to reduce the prevalence and severity of the complications associated with this disease. The purpose of this study was to explain the dimensions of adopting general self-care behaviors (mask-wearing, social distancing, hand hygiene, and home quarantine) for preventing COVID-19 based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in cardiovascular patients.MethodsThis was a descriptive-analytical study conducted with the participation of 420 patients referring to health and treatment centers of Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, in 2022. Sampling was done using a non-random (convenience) method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire containing items addressing demographic characteristics, questions related to the TPB, and questions dealing with the adoption of everyday self-care behaviors against contracting COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods (prevalence, mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression) in SPSS version 25.ResultsThe results of this study showed that the rate of adoption of self-care behaviors against COVID-19 among cardiovascular patients was moderate. The results also showed that among the constructs of the TPB, Perceived behavioral control, Subjective norms, and Perceived behavioral intention were the most important predictors of adopting self-care behaviors among cardiovascular patients with a change variance of 46%.ConclusionsThe results of the present study have implications for health and treatment policy makers as well as planners of educational and behavioral interventions aimed at promoting the adoption of self-care behaviors against COVID-19. In this respect, managing and institutionalizing desirable behaviors among cardiovascular patients could be beneficial from economic, social, and health-related aspects.