Southwestern Part Of Iran Research Articles

Risk factors and survival of triple-negative breast cancer among breast cancer patients: Ten-year cross-sectional study in the southwestern Iranian population.

Breast cancer results from genetic and epigenetic mutations, contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and survival rates of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) among breast cancer patients in southwestern Iran over a ten-year period. This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to assess prognostic factors associated with survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer in Iran's southwestern region over a ten-year period (2007-2017). Data were collected from patients who visited the Clinical Oncology Department at Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz (the breast cancer center of the Southwestern country). The study enrolled women diagnosed with TNBC using a census method and data from medical records. The primary outcome (survival rates) and secondary outcomes (demographic data, diagnostic stages, and three receptors estrogen receptors [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2] status) were collected. Breast cancer was diagnosed in 2641 women over ten years; TNBC was diagnosed in 227 individuals (8.59%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between negative ER status and TNBC (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence of TNBC differed significantly from that of other types of breast cancer (p = 0.0001). The variables of age, HER2, PR, and TNBC grade did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The overall disease-free survival rate over 5 years was 88.1%, while the rate for individuals without recurrence was 77.97%. This study highlights a differentially low incidence of TNBC in the southwestern part of Iran when compared to other regions; genetic or epigenetic influences may explain this discrepancy. ER-negative status is a crucial prognostic indicator in diagnosing TNBC. The incidence of this disease is expected to rise by 100% in 2 years and 77.97% in 5 years.

Investigation of Severe Dust Storms Over Baghdad City by Using Remote Sensing Measurements and Ground Data

Dust aerosols have serious influences on different sectors such as the economy, climate change, pollution, transportation and public health. Dust storms have increased over the Middle East especially impacting central Iraq lately. The goal of the work is to identify possible dust sources and pathways influencing the study area. Using remote sensing data by employing the monthly average of Aerosol Index (AI-OMI), HYSPLIT model and MODIS satellite to examine potential dust storms sources and their transport pathways through spring season in 2012. The results of aerosol index (AI) values by OMI satellite were high during spring and summer but were low during autumn and winter. AI values are increased in the likely major dust sources including eastern parts of Syria, Kuwait, north Saudi Arabia, southwestern parts of Iran, as well as south and central parts of Iraq. Also, analyses of the HYSPLIT model show possible dust storms sources and predominate directions of dust which can reach Baghdad city including transported dust aerosols from the eastern region of Syria, north-western, western Iraq. The findings of pathways by the HYSPLIT model for possible dust sources are agreement with satellite images from MODIS – OMI satellites (dust storms are revealed by the MODIS – OMI satellites). The information of CALIPSO satellite revealed that the dust activity had reached 18 kilometres to the stratosphere layer. The HYSPLIT trajectories findings for dust storms travel are like to the image of the MODIS satellite.

Biological features and distribution of nectarophage <i>Timia (Empyelocera) abstersa</i> Loew (Diptera, Ulidiidae)

The distribution and spatial structure of the range of Timia abstersa (Ulidiidae) were analyzed for the first time. The map of this species distribution is based on the materials of the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It served as the basis for the analysis of the zonal landscape conditions of the distribution of the adult flies of T. abstersa and the cultivation of alfalfa its main fodder plant. The nectarophagy of T. abstersa flies on alfalfa was first established on the basis of our laboratory and field studies in alfalfa crops in the forest-steppe of the Samara Region and according to literary data on the fodder nutrition of adult flies of this species in the southwestern part of Iran. The distribution of T. abstersa in forest-steppes, typical and dry steppes in lowland, foothill and on mountain plateaus from 28 to 92 east longitude and from 29 to 53 north latitude in the temperate and subtropical zones of Eurasia was noted. Two mountain centers of its formation have been identified in the area of T. abstersa: Transcaucasian-North Iranian and Central Asian. From the Transcaucasian-North Iranian mountain center, this species spread to flat landscapes in the north and northeast direction to Europe, western and northern Kazakhstan, Western Siberia, and from the Central Asian mountain center in the east: along the foothills and mountains of southern Kazakhstan, northern China to Western Mongolia. The formation of T. abstersa centers is due to the greatest diversity of perennial wild alfalfa species in them, and the expansion of the range of T. abstersa is due to the increase in the territories of widespread cultivation of this crop.

Reactivity to Conocarpus tree pollen in patients with respiratory allergic diseases in the south-western part of Iran

Aeroallergens are known as the major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to the pollen of Conocarpus erectus trees and to find the association between the indoor and outdoor aeroallergens in the patients. In the present case series multicentre study, 104 patients with respiratory allergies such as allergic rhinitis and asthma who were referred to the Bushehr University allergy clinic participated. The SPT was applied by using the extract of Conocarpus erectus pollen and the other allergens to determine the patients’ reactivity. The frequency of positive sensitivity to Conocarpus erectus pollen was 61 (58.6%) and it was 62.5%, 55.7%, and 53.8% for the tree pollen allergens Citrus X Sinensis, Morus rubra, and Phoenix dactylifera, respectively. In addition, the maximum frequency of sensitivity to other aeroallergens was with house dust mite (HDM) (78.8%), Salsola kali; 71.2%), and cockroach (71.2%). The maximum frequency of reactivity to food allergens was with egg yolk (37.6%), shrimp (37%), and beef (34.6%). This study concludes that the frequency of sensitivity to Conocarpus erectus pollen was high and similar to the pollen allergens of other trees that are widely cultivated in southern Iran. Green spaces are the key element of urban management, and the interaction between citizens and the environment, as well as promoting human health are very effective. Therefore, the lack of planning in urban populations in the choice of ornamental species can be a triggering factor, especially in patients with respiratory allergies.

Future Projections and Uncertainty Assessment of Precipitation Extremes in Iran from the CMIP6 Ensemble

Scientists who want to know future climate can use multimodel ensemble (MME) methods that combine projections from individual simulation models. To predict the future changes of extreme rainfall in Iran, we examined the observations and 24 models of the Coupled Model Inter-Comparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) over the Middle East. We applied generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution to series of annual maximum daily precipitation (AMP1) data obtained from both of models and the observations. We also employed multivariate bias-correction under three shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios (namely, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). We used a model averaging method that takes both performance and independence of model into account, which is called PI-weighting. Return levels for 20 and 50 years, as well as the return periods of the AMP1 relative to the reference years (1971–2014), were estimated for three future periods. These are period 1 (2021–2050), period 2 (2046–2075), and period 3 (2071–2100). From this study, we predict that over Iran the relative increases of 20-year return level of the AMP1 in the spatial median from the past observations to the year 2100 will be approximately 15.6% in the SSP2-4.5, 23.2% in the SSP3-7.0, and 28.7% in the SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. We also realized that a 1-in-20 year (or 1-in-50 year) AMP1 observed in the reference years in Iran will likely become a 1-in-12 (1-in-26) year, a 1-in-10 (1-in-22) year, and a 1-in-9 (1-in-20) year event by 2100 under the SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively. We project that heavy rainfall will be more prominent in the western and southwestern parts of Iran.

An MCE-based innovative approach to evaluating ecotourism suitability using GIS

Geographic Information System (GIS) can be used in ecotourism as a decision support tool for sustainable tourism planning, impact assessment, visitor flow management, and tourism site selection. Therefore, this system has the potential to be widely applied in tourism. The purpose of the study was to explore the potential for ecotourism development using GIS in Sepidan region, placed in the southwestern part of Iran. An innovative method was proposed for adjusting effective parameters in evaluation of ecotourism. The methods used for evaluation comprised Boolean, current multi-criteria evaluation methods (weighted linear combination), and the proposed methods of geometric mean and its calibration. Results showed that an improved method using geometric mean (kappa= 0.72) was better than Boolean (kappa= 0.56) and multi-criteria evaluation (kappa= 0.59) models. The calibrated geometric mean was also the best among the different models used. It should be noted that the geometric mean method was simpler than multi-criteria evaluation and did not require the weighting process.

The Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis in Southwestern Iran and Its Association with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A GA2LEN Study

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent disease affecting the quality of life of patients throughout the world. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of AR and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the adult population living in Bushehr, southwestern part of Iran. In this population-based study, a total of 5420 individuals aged 15-65 years were selected through a multi-stage, cluster, random sampling method from which 5201 of them completed the Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA2LEN) questionnaire (Response rate=96.1%). The prevalence of AR, based on Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification (mild or moderate; intermittent or persistent) was calculated and the association of AR and CRS was evaluated using a multiple logistic regression model. The overall prevalence of AR was 28.8%, and for the intermittent and persistent AR were 25.9% (out of which 81.34% were moderate to severe) and 74.1% respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of AR was significantly higher in health workers and smokers (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, an association was found between AR and CRS (p<0.001, aOR: 4.68, 95%CI: 4.07-5.39), and also, between the persistent AR and CRS as compared with the intermittent (p<0.001, aOR: 4.21, 95%CI: 3.40-5.22). The present study showed that the prevalence of AR in Bushehr (Southwestern part of Iran) was significantly high. In addition, the results indicated a strong association between AR and CRS, especially in individuals with moderate to severe persistent AR.

Integration of well log-derived facies and 3D seismic attributes for seismic facies mapping: A case study from mansuri oil field, SW Iran

The recognition and mapping of rock facies is a pivotal step in reliable reservoir characterization and planning development operations. The present study aimed to present a practical workflow by integrating three-dimensional (3D) seismic attributes and well-log facies analysis to determine the spatial distribution of electrofacies rock types of the Oligo-Miocene Asmari reservoir in Mansuri oilfield located in the southwestern part of Iran. The workflow begins with integrating well logs, core data, and geological information from the selected ‘key wells’ to build an electrofacies model, which could help reservoir facies to be classified and estimated in the cored and uncored wells, respectively. In addition, a group of 3D seismic attribute volumes derived from amplitude, frequency, and time characteristics of the post-stacked 3D seismic data were identified to specify the heterogeneity of the vertical and lateral rock facies within the reservoir. Additionally, the seismic attributes were analyzed using unsupervised and supervised learning techniques to identify seismic facies. The extraction of the seismic facies at multiple-well locations within the 3D classified volumes demonstrated that the supervised neural network learning method, as compared to the unsupervised approach, could more accurately estimate the desired seismic facies. The results of the ultimate rock facies maps of different vertical slices in the Asmari reservoir indicated that electrofacies with good reservoir quality were best developed on the top of the reservoir, mostly with NW-SE elongation at the crest line of the structure. The applied workflow allowed the localities of the buried sand channels to be identified and mapped. Accordingly, seismic facies mapping shed light on the spatial heterogeneity and quality of the reservoir, which could be used to guide the development drilling for optimal recovering of the unswept hydrocarbons.

Downscaling diurnal temperature over west and southwest Iran : A comparison of statistical downscaling approaches

This study aimed to forecast temperature variations in the western and southwestern part of Iran using a general circulation model and artificial neural networks (ANN). The data included mean diurnal temperatures from synoptic stations, National Centers for Environmental Prediction/ National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis data, and outputs of a third-generation global climate model, the Hadley Centre Coupled Model version 3 (HadCM3), under A2 and B2 scenarios for the baseline period (1961–1990). The data of the first (1961–1975) and second 15 years (1976–1990) of the baseline period were used for model calibration and validation, respectively. Both models, however, produced reliable estimates at the plain stations with neither outperforming the other due to their negligible errors. However, the neural network results of mountain synoptic stations showed a lower error rate than the statistical downscaling model (SDSM) outputs. All in all, we can say that there was a larger amount of error in the outputs of the atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) in the mountainous regions. According to the outputs of the neural network and the AGCMs, temperatures at the studied stations were on the rise. In fact, this increase was more noticeable at the plain stations. This can be attributed to their proximity to the sea, to their latitude, and to the more intensive industrial activities (especially, extraction of petroleum and production of petroleum products) taking place near the plain stations.

Permeability prediction in tight gas reservoirs based on pore structure characteristics: A case study from South Western Iran

Abstract Porosity, pore structure characteristics, and permeability are among the key petrophysical properties of shale gas resources. Accurate characterization of these parameters in the unconventional gas shale systems has been proved to be challenging due to the uniqueness of the pore structures, mineral compositions, tightness, and pores hosted in the organic matter. In this study, the porosity, pore structure characteristics, and permeability of cored samples from the Garau shale formation located in the southwestern part of Iran were evaluated using a combination of laboratory methods. Multiple linear regression analyses were then utilized to develop empirical relationships between helium permeability values, porosity, and pore throat radii. Results showed that the best permeability predictors for the examined samples could be developed using the pore throat radius that corresponds to a mercury saturation of 55% and porosity. This approach helps develop a permeability prediction model for tight shale gas reservoirs based on pore structure characteristics, reducing cost and time.

Identification of high-risk and low-risk clusters and estimation of the relative risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in provinces of Iran during 2006-2014 period: A geo-epidemiological study.

Background:The present study was conducted to determine the epidemiological status, identify high-risk and low-risk clusters, and estimate the relative risk (RR) of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in provinces of Iran.Materials and Methods:This is an ecological study carried out using an Exploratory Multiple-Group design on 3769 children under 15 years of age with ALL from 2006 to 2014. Data analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U, Global Moran's I and Kuldorff's purely spatial scan statistic tests at a significance level of 0.05.Results:The average annual incidence rate of ALL during 2006–2014 period was 2.25/100,000 children under 15 years of age. The most likely high-risk cluster with log-likelihood ratio (LLR) =327.47 is located in the southwestern part of Iran with a radius of 294.93 km and a centrality of 30.77 N and 50.83 E, which contained 1276 patients with a RR of 2.56. It includes Fars, Bushehr, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Khuzestan and Chahar Mahall and Bakhtiari provinces. On the other hand, the most likely low-risk cluster with 517 patients, and a RR 0.49 and LLR = 227.03 was identified in the northwestern part of Iran with a radius of 270.38 km and a centrality of 37.25 N and 49.49 E. It includes Zanjan, Qazvin, Gilan and East Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Alborz and Tehran provinces.Conclusion:High-risk clusters were observed in Southwestern, central, and eastern Iran, while low-risk clusters were identified in Northern and Western Iran.

Comparison of the effect of training academic honesty using two workshop and virtual training methods on the knowledge and attitude of M. S. students.

BACKGROUND:Nowadays, one of the most important challenges of the universities and higher education centers is academic dishonesty among students. Academic dishonesty is done through cheating, deception, and plagiarism, which creates serious educational, studious, and social problems for the students and society. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of virtual and workshop training on the knowledge and attitude of M. S. students in terms of plagiarism.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This research was an applied interventional study of quasi-experimental type having pretest and posttest and the participants of this study included 90 M. S. nursing students of Medical Science University of Shiraz in the southwestern part of Iran.RESULTS:The comparison of the three groups indicated that virtual and workshop training, both, developed the knowledge and attitude of students regarding plagiarism; however, the comparison between two methods did not indicate a statistically significant difference.CONCLUSION:Both virtual and workshop training methods had an effect on increasing students’ knowledge and attitude. Regarding the positive effect of training academic dishonesty using two workshop and virtual training methods, both can be used as efficient and effective methods in training dimensions depending on the condition and facilities to prevent and reduce plagiarism in students.

Introducing new climate indices for identifying wet/dry spells within an Madden‐Julian Oscillation phase

AbstractDaily values of precipitation in southwestern parts of Iran along with the corresponding Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) phase are analysed to introduce some auxiliary indicators that can identify the wet and dry spells within a particular MJO phase. As a case study, the identification procedure focuses on phase 1 during the rainy season (Nov–Apr). The study shows that this phase contains two opposite spells, referred to as spells with pervasive precipitation (SWPP) and spells with widespread dryness (SWWD). Although the precipitation characteristics are essentially different between SWPP and SWWD, their associated MJO indices are found statistically identical. Therefore, the MJO–precipitation relationship fails to identify the wet/dry spells within an MJO phase. To resolve this deficiency, other climate indicators, which behave differently between these two spells, are introduced. The westward moisture flux over equatorial parts of the Indian Ocean and the northeastward moisture flux over the North African tropics are up to seven times stronger in the SWPP compared to SWWD. The dominance of a strong cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation over the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea and the negative (positive) west–east temperature gradient over southern parts of Iran are introduced as SWPP (SWWD) indicators. The study reveals that the SWPP (SWWD) coincides with a strong (weak) convection dipole that resembles the positive Indian Ocean dipole. The intensified (weakened) wind speed in the subtropical jet stream and persistence of the jet‐exit‐regions above Iran (Egypt and Saudi Arabia) are other SWPP (SWWD) indicators. Negative (positive) anomalies of sea surface temperature over the North Atlantic Ocean, the Black, Mediterranean, and Caspian Seas, as well as the Persian Gulf, signify the prevalence of the SWPP (SWWD). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that auxiliary indices are utilized to improve the MJO–precipitation relationship in southwestern Iran.

Application of InVEST habitat quality module in spatially vulnerability assessment of natural habitats (case study: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran).

There has been a growing pressure of human activities, especially road network, on natural habitats of the world, which has led to habitat degradation and loss of ecosystem services. To mitigate the impacts of human activities, appropriate studies quantifying ecosystem services and assessing ecological impacts of road network are essential. The main goal of this study was modeling habitat quality and habitat degradation of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in the southwestern part of Iran, which is among the most important habitats for wild sheep (Ovis orientalis) classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In this study, we used the habitat quality module of the InVEST software (Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Tradeoffs), which was driven from land use/cover data, information on anthropogenic threats, and expert knowledge. We tested the reliability of the habitat quality values by comparing them with the distribution map of wild sheep obtained from the Department of the Environment. Then, to have a more comprehensive assessment of the roads' effects on the natural habitats of this province, considering ecosystem services model, the Spatial Road Disturbance Index (SPROADI) was applied as a landscape index. The results of this study revealed that the east and north eastern parts of the study area which were among the most suitable habitats for wild sheep were highly affected by road network. Overall, findings of our study provided useful information on the spatially explicit distribution of habitat quality and degradation which were a valuable input for conservation planning and enhancing ecosystem services.

Study of the genus Bracon Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran: new subspecies, new records and an updated checklist.

The present study is based on the genus Bracon Fabricius collected from the Khuzestan province in the southwestern part of Iran during 2016-2017. In total, 35 species including one subspecies were collected and identified, of which 10 species are recorded for the first time from Iran and Bracon (Osculobracon) pelliger rumezensis Samartsev Zargar ssp. n. is described. In addition, 24 species are recorded for the first time from Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. Brief diagnoses with illustrations for new records from Iran and a faunistic list with distribution data are provided.

Scorpions and Scorpionism in Roudan County, Southern Iran

Every year, thousands of cases and many deaths from scorpion sting are reported in tropical areas of South and Southwestern parts of Iran. The aim of this study was to identify the fauna and dangerous species of scorpions in Roudan County, southern Iran. This descriptive study was conducted in 10 stations in Hormozgan Province. Scorpion sampling was done randomly by searching for their shelter and digging out their nests during day, and with the use of UV light during night from February 2013 to October 2014. Data of scorpion stings were obtained from health center of Hormozgan Province during 2014-2016. Overall, 155 scorpions were collected on a set of eight species belonging to Buthidae and Hemiscorpiidae families. These species were identified as Mesobuthus persicus, Mesobuthus phillipsi, Hottentotta schach, Odontobuthus doriae, Compsobuthus persicus, Orthochirus farzanpayi, Androctonus crassicauda and Hemiscorpius acanthocercus. One thousand and twenty-seven cases of scorpion sting were recorded during 2014-2016 with a peak period in summer. Most of cases were <44yr old. Five out of six medically important scorpions in Iran were actively identified in the study area. Results of this study would greatly help to identify risk factors of scorpion sting in high-risk areas for planning, management and treatment of patients with scorpion sting in these areas.

Effect of climate change on spatial distribution of scorpions of significant public health importance in Iran

Objective: To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran, and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios. Methods: The spatial distribution of six poisonous scorpion species of Iran were modeled: Hemiscorpius lepturus, Androctonus crassicauda, Mesobuthus eupeus, Hottentotta saulcyi, Hottentotta zagrosensis, and Odontobuthus (O.) doriae, under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios. The MaxEnt ecological niche model was used to predict climate suitability for these scorpion species in the 2030s and 2050s, and the data were compared with environmental suitability under the current bioclimatic data. Results: A total of 73 species and subspecies of scorpions belonging to 19 genera in Iran were recorded. Khuzestan Province has the highest species diversity with 34 species and subspecies. The most poisonous scorpion species of Iran are scattered in the semi-arid climates, at an altitudinal range between 11 m and 2 954 m above sea level. It is projected that O. doriae, Androctonus crassicauda and Mesobuthus eupeus species would be widely distributed in most parts of the country, whereas the most suitable ecological niches for the other species would be limited to the west and/or southwestern part of Iran. Conclusions: Although the environmental suitability for all the species would change under the two climate change scenarios, the change would be more significant for O. doriae under RCP8.5 in the 2050s. These findings can be used as basis for future studies in the areas with the highest environmental suitability for the most dangerous scorpion species to fill the gaps in the ecology of scorpion species in these areas.

Three new species and two new records of the genus Cotesia Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran

The present study is based on the genus Cotesia Cameron,1891 collected from Khuzestan Province in the Southwestern part of Iran during 2016–2017. Nine species (+200 specimens) of the genus Cotesia were collected and identified. We recognised three new species, which we describe and illustrate here: Cotesia elongata Zargar &amp; Gupta sp. nov., C. khuzestanesis Zargar &amp; Gupta sp. nov. and C. zagrosensis Zargar &amp; Gupta sp. nov. Two species are recorded for the first time from Iran: Cotesia cynthiae (Nixon, 1974) and C. glabrata (Telenga, 1955). A faunistic list with species distribution in Iran, a modified key to include the new species and brief diagnoses for the new records from Iran are provided.

The prevalence of asthma in adult population of southwestern Iran and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis: a GA2LEN study

BackgroundAsthma is recognized as a major public health concern in the world. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the prevalence of asthma by using the Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA2LEN) questionnaire and examine its association with chronic rhinosinusitis, in the province of Bushehr, Southwestern of Iran.MethodsIn a cross-sectional, population-based study, a total of 5420 invited individuals, aged 15–65, were selected through a multi-stage, stratified, cluster random sampling and from which 5201 completed the GA2LEN questionnaire (response rate = 95.9%). The prevalence of asthma, current, and physician-diagnosed asthma were analyzed by using sex and age groups and the association of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) was investigated using a multiple logistic regression model.ResultsBased on the information from the GA2LEN questionnaire, the overall prevalence of asthma in the population under study was 10.0% (95% CI 9.2–10.8). Moreover, the prevalence of current asthma was 8.9% (95% CI 8.1–9.7). Further, the prevalence of current early, late-onset and physician-diagnosed asthma within the asthma group was 51.1% (95% CI 46.5–55.7), 48.9% (95% CI 44.3–53.5) and 3.9% (95% CI 2.1–2.5), respectively. Additionally, CRS was more frequent among the participants with asthma [(57.3%, OR = 2.3; 95% CI 2.1–2.5)], and there was a significant association between CRS and current, early and late-onset of asthma (P < 0.001; OR = 4.4, 3.2 and 6, respectively).ConclusionThis large population study conducted in the southwestern part of Iran suggests that the prevalence of asthma is high. Moreover, the result of this study showed a strong association of asthma with CRS; also after adjusting for sex, age, educational level, and smoking.

RING-SHAPED SEISMICITY STRUCTURES IN THE REGION OF IRAN: POSSIBLE PREPARATION FOR LARGE EARTHQUAKES

We have been studying some seismicity characteristics in the region of Iran including those connected with preparation for large earthquakes. It was established that ring-shaped seismicity structure have been formed within depth range of 0-33 km prior to large Ezgeleh earthquake of 12.11.2017 (Mw=7,3). Shallow seismicity rings are characterized by threshold magnitude values (Mt1) and big axis lengths (L). Earlier we have obtained correlation dependences of Mt1 and lgL values on magnitudes of main events Mw for intracontinental earthquakes with mechanisms of reverse and oblique-reverse faulting, prevailing in the region of Iran. Using these dependences we estimated magnitude of large event which could be prepared in the area of ring structure: Mw=7,1±0,1 for the zone of the Ezgeleh earthquake. Big ring structures were identified at the south-west, north and east of Iran, where large earthquakes are not known according to instrumental and historical data. We estimated magnitudes of possible large earthquakes by characteristics of these structures: Mw=7,2±0,3, Mw=7,1±0,2 and Mw=6,6±0,1 in the regions mentioned respectively. Large seismic event, which probably is being prepared within the south-western part of Iran, can represent a special danger due to nearness of it’s source to the nuclear power plant “Busher”. We discuss the reasons of ring structures formation.