West Azerbaijan Province Research Articles

Optimizing Laccase Production From Halotolerant Enterobacter sp. GR18 for Hydrocarbon Bioremediation

ABSTRACTHydrocarbon contamination, primarily from oil spills and their derivatives, poses significant environmental challenges and has profound impacts on public health and ecosystems. Innovative bioremediation strategies, especially those utilizing laccase enzymes, have emerged as robust and sustainable solutions to degrade these persistent pollutants. This study focused on optimizing laccase production from Enterobacter sp. GR18, isolated from the Grawan mineral spring near Sardasht, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. The bacterium was identified through comprehensive biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequencing. Advanced methodologies were used to optimize laccase production conditions. The purified laccase enzyme was characterized using SDS‐PAGE. The effects of various carbon and nitrogen sources, metal ions, and inducers on enzymatic activity were thoroughly investigated. Structural changes in crude oil samples treated with laccase were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Enterobacter sp. GR18 showed exceptional laccase activity among 33 isolated strains. Glucose and yeast extract were the most effective carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Copper and iron ions significantly enhanced enzyme activity. NMR spectroscopy indicated substantial breakdown of complex hydrocarbons in crude oil samples posttreatment, demonstrating the enzyme's effectiveness in hydrocarbon degradation. This study reveals the potential of Enterobacter sp. GR18 for high laccase production and efficient hydrocarbon degradation under extreme environmental conditions. These findings can catalyze the development of robust and sustainable bioremediation technologies to address hydrocarbon contamination.

Comparison of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Levels in Nurses in Specialized and General Ward

Background: Nurses are exposed to higher stress, anxiety, and depression due to the nature of their work. Considering the differences between specialized and general hospital units, this article focuses on comparing the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among nurses in these two types of units. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 on 135 nurses in specialized units and 219 nurses in general units selected through stratified random sampling out of 1681 nurses. For this study, 6 public hospitals in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran were selected. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and analyzed using SPSS software. A significance level of 0.05 was considered for this study. Results: This study reported that stress, anxiety, and depression affected 72.04%, 46.33%, and 53.68% of nurses, respectively, with mild to extremely-severe intensity levels. No significant differences were observed in stress, anxiety, and depression between specialized and general units (p > 0.05). Among specialized units (ICU, CCU, and dialysis ward), dialysis unit nurses had significantly lower depression scores (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant correlation existed between demographic variables and DASS-21 constructs (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The similarities among nurses in specialized and general units outweigh the observed differences. Given the high prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among nurses and the negative correlation with job satisfaction, managers should improve job satisfaction to support nurses’ mental health.

Comparing Personality Traits and Resilience Among Treatment-Seeking and Treatment-avoidant Elderly with Health Anxiety Disorder

Introduction: Treatment-seeking behaviors in elderly patients can facilitate timely diagnosis and effective intervention for health issues, whereas treatment-avoidant behaviors may contribute to the progression of diseases and an increased burden of chronic conditions. Understanding the psychological factors influencing these behaviors is crucial for improving health outcomes in this population. This study aimed to compare personality traits and resilience among elderly patients with health anxiety who exhibit treatment-seeking versus treatment-avoidant behaviors. Methods: This fundamental research employed a causal-comparative design. The statistical population consisted of elderly patients with health anxiety who referred to Healthcare Centers in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran, in 2023. A sample of 60 patients was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Salkowski Health Anxiety Inventory. Hypotheses were tested using MANOVA. Results: Significant differences were observed between treatment-seeking and treatment-avoidant patients in terms of personality traits and resilience (F (2, 57) = 11.28, p < 0.05). The findings highlighted that individuals with certain personality traits and higher levels of resilience were more inclined to seek treatment. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of considering personality traits and resilience as key factors when developing strategies for encouraging appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviors among elderly patients with health anxiety. Understanding these factors can inform tailored interventions to reduce treatment avoidance and improve overall health management.

First record of Hydropsyche cornuta Martynov, 1909 (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae) from Iran

Caddisfly sampling conducted during July 2021 from the Shalmash Waterfall in the West Azerbaijan Province of Iran, revealed the first record of Hydropsyche cornuta Martynov, 1909 for Iran. Previously this species had been known from several localities in Türkiye and few localities in Georgia, Lebanon and Syria. The morphology of male genitalia in the collected specimens from Iran corresponds to the described species. This discovery increases considerably the known areal of Hydropsyche cornuta and contributes to the knowledge of the Iranian Hydropsychidae. Shalmash Waterfall from where the new record is found is otherwise known for exceptional composition of aquatic insect fauna, including rare and endemic species.

First confirmed record of Microtus rossiaemeridionalis from Iran

Abstract Microtus, the most speciose genus in the tribe Arvicolini, inhabits boreal and temperate regions. Despite recent increase in taxonomic research, the precise species diversity of Microtus voles in Iran is still unclear due to insufficient molecular work. This study aimed to identify Microtus species in West Azerbaijan province, near Turkey and Armenia, by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene from 20 vole specimens. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the occurrence of Microtus rossiaemeridionalis in Iran for the first time, which has actually been predicted for the western side of Urmia (West Azerbaijan province) on the basis of habitat modelling. This study enhances the understanding of Microtus diversity in Iran, highlighting the need for comprehensive fieldwork and molecular assessments to accurately delineate rodent species composition in the country.

Molecular detection and phylogeny analysis of Coxiella burnetii detected from cattle and buffalo milk based on plasmid cbhE gene in West Azerbaijan of Iran

Humans and animals may get Q fever, which is caused by the Gram-negative coccobacillus Coxiella burnetii. The symptoms of Q fever may include a self-limiting febrile illness, pneumonia, endocarditis, or hepatitis. Infections are classified as either acute or persistent. Cattle, sheep, and goats are the most prevalent reservoir animals for this zoonosis. This research was conducted to identify C. burnetii using transposable and isocitrate dehydrogenase genes (IS1111, icd) and QpH1 plasmids. A total of 142 samples of raw buffalo and cow milk were collected from various locations within the West Azerbaijan region (see map). We used "nested" PCR techniques using primers based on the IS1111 and icd genes of C. burnetii, as well as conserved and variable portions of plasmid sequences, to identify C. burnetii and their plasmids in milk samples from buffalo and calves. Out of 142 milk samples that were positive for the chromosomal transposable genes (IS1111 and icd) at a rate of 16.9 percent (95 percent CI: 14.5 percent to 19.6 percent) and 7.1 % (95 percent CI: 5.59 percent to 9.08 percent), respectively, 86 samples were positive for the QpH1 plasmid at a rate of 60.5 percent (95 percent CI: 52.35 percent to 68.2 percent). Based on a phylogenetic study of the icd and QpH1 genes, the majority of the isolates had a similarity of 99.45–99.9 percent. Conclusion: It was determined that the buffalo population in West Azerbaijan province represents a significant epidemiological factor with respect to Q fever and consequently public health.

Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella variicola associated with onion bacterial streak and bulb rot

The bulb onion (Allium cepa) is second only to tomatoes in value of vegetable crops cultivated worldwide. Water-soaked lesions, bleaching and blight on leaves and slippery skin, sour skin, soft rot near the neck and centre rot on onion bulbs were observed in surveys of the onion fields, storage as well as fruit and vegetable markets of northwestern provinces of Iran in 2020. Thirty-four samples were collected from onion fields of East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Zanjan provinces and the central storage of Bonab city. Fifty bacterial strains were isolated from symptomatic samples. Pathogenicity of the strains was confirmed by inoculating on onion bulb cultivars Azarshahr and Ghermez Anari. Twenty-eight strains were able to induce soft rot on the inoculated sites of cut onion bulbs. Onion bulbs turned dark brown at lesion sites and became odorous over time. All pathogenic strains were Gram-negative, facultative aerobic and catalase positive. Strains mainly varied in starch and aesculin hydrolysis, potato rot and hypersensitive reaction. Pathogenic strains separated into four groups based on phenotypic assays. In the phylogenetic tree based on concatenated sequences of gyrB and infB genes, the strains were divided into four clusters containing the type strains of Enterobacter ludwigii, Klebsiella variicola, Proteus mirabilis and Pantoea agglomerans, confirming their identity as belonging to these four species. This is the first report of P. mirabilis as a plant pathogen and of K. variicola as a causal agent of onion bulb rot. Moreover, this is the first report of E. ludwigii and P. agglomerans associated with onion bulb rot in Iran.

Mechanism of Ivughli salt dome exhumation, northwestern Iran

ABSTRACT The Ivughli salt dome, located in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran, is sourced in the Miocene Upper Red Formation, which includes salt and gypsum layers, red marl, and sandstone. The salt diapirs of West Azerbaijan are located along the North Tabriz Fault. Faults related to fractures around the Ivughli salt dome have displaced the folded layers and have caused subsidence in some parts of the salt dome. Based on the results of interferometry data, there are smaller and bigger elevation/subsidency rates with a total average of 4 mm for the whole body of the dome. The east of the dome shows high elevation and this may be due to the effect of a hidden fault that branches off the North Tabriz Fault. As well as the role of normal faults in the lower elevation of the western parts of the dome, there may have been subsidence related to surface washing and driven by erosion and agriculture in the region. Regarding the emplacement and shape of the Ivughli salt dome, it is young diapirism and currently acctive. In general, tectonic activity is still causing the rise of the Ivughli salt dome at a rate of movement that is not uniform across its structure.

Ultrasound Sonography Features of the Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran

Objectives: The most frequent form of thyroid cancer (TC) is papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), which has been significantly increasing worldwide. This study aimed to determine the relative frequency of various sonographic PTC findings in the West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Methods: In this retrospective study, the ultrasonic features of 67 patients with proven PTC, confirmed by pathology, were analyzed. The sonographic features were categorized into low-risk (hyperechoic echogenicity, macrocalcification, peripheral vascularity, puff appearance, spongy form nodule, comet tail shadowing) and high-risk (irregular margin, hypoechoic echogenicity, microcalcification, central vascularity, taller-than-wide shape, twinkling, two-lobe nodule, neck lymphadenopathy) PTC features. Results: The frequency of hypoechoic echogenicity was higher in both genders (81.8% in males and 72.5% in females) and among three groups of ages (P=0.55). Microcalcification had a higher frequency in both genders (65.4 in males and 65.5 in females) and in two age groups of 20-45 and more than 45 years (68.3% and 66.7%, respectively) (P=0.4 and P=0.99, respectively). Central vascularity was more frequent in men (61.5%), and peripheral vascularity was more frequent among females (57.1%) and in two age groups of 20-45 and more than 45 years (68.3% and 66.7%, respectively) (P=0.41). Also, taller-than-wide shape had a high frequency in males (20%). Sponginess, puff appearance, and comet tail had the same frequency among the three age groups. In the age group under 20 years, peripheral incomplete halo had a high frequency (17.8%). Discussion: The appearance of high-risk papillary carcinoma sonographic features is typical in PTC patients. Moreover, low-risk sonographic PTC features occur more often than expected in our patients. We can infer that the frequency of PTC ultrasonography features in the West Azerbaijan Province of Iran can be due to iodine deficiency due to being far from the sea and the lack of easy access to seafood.

Evaluating trends and influencing factors of cardiovascular disease mortality over time: a time series analysis in West Azerbaijan province

Evaluating trends and influencing factors of cardiovascular disease mortality over time: a time series analysis in West Azerbaijan province

The Relationship Between Air Pollution Components and Hospitalizations Due to Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between air pollution and pulmonary embolism in patients hospitalized in Urmia city. This cross-sectional study was conducted in West Azerbaijan province, Iran. According to the daily report from the meteorology center of West Azarbaijan province, the data on the concentrations of air pollutants, including PM10, NO2, O3, CO, and PM2.5 were extracted. Moreover, the files of patients without underlying risk factors hospitalized due to pulmonary embolism were extracted. Finally, admissions from 2 days before until 2 days after the polluted days were compared to hospitalizations on clean air days of the same month. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Urmia, the capital city of the West Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran. Participants: A total of 1275 patients without underlying risk factors hospitalized due to pulmonary embolism were included. Outcome measures: Admissions from 2 days before until 2 days after the polluted days were compared to hospitalizations on clean air days of the same month. Results: Out of 1779 patients admitted due to pulmonary embolism, 1275 patients met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Based on the results, 403 patients (31.6%) were hospitalized in clean and healthy air (air quality index [AQI] of 0-50 and 50-100), 816 patients (64.1%) were hospitalized in unhealthy air (AQI: 150-101), and 56 patients (4.4%) were hospitalized in days with polluted air (AQI:151-200). According to Pearson’s correlation coefficient, there was a significant relationship between carbon monoxide (r=0.09, P=0.0001), sulfur dioxide (r=0.11, P=0.001), PM10 (r=0.28, P=0.001), and PM2.5 (r=0.45, P=0.0001) concentrations and the frequency of hospitalizations due to pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: There is a positive and significant relationship between air pollutants and the number of hospitalizations due to pulmonary embolism. Hence, preventive measures should be taken into account regarding the air pollution at the provincial and national levels.

Enhancing urban and regional development for border security in Iran: A futures study of West Azerbaijan province

Enhancing urban and regional development for border security in Iran: A futures study of West Azerbaijan province

Health consequences of the Urmia Lake crisis: the baseline study protocol

IntroductionClimate change may affect human health due to various mechanisms including overexposure to environmental pollution or dispersed particles. Lake Urmia (LU) drying in recent years has turned into a crisis...

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Borrelia Spp. In blood samples of cats and dogs by the nested-PCR method in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran.

The objective of this study was to investigate the presence and genetic attributes of Borrelia spp. in cats and dogs from the West Azerbaijan Province, located in the northwest of Iran. A total of 250 blood samples from cats and 300 blood samples from dogs were collected, and information regarding their age, sex, breed, ownership status, sampling time and region was recorded. The identification of positive samples was accomplished through nested-PCR and sequencing, with subsequent analysis of the gene sequences conducted using BioEdit software. The gene sequences for Borrelia spp. in this study showed 100% similarity to reference sequences in the GenBank® database. Phylogenetic trees were built using MEGA11. The outcomes indicated that among 250 blood samples from cats, 48 (19.2%) tested positive for Borrelia spp. gene, with a CI from 14.8 to 24.53% for cats. Similarly, out of 300 blood samples from dogs, 45 (15%) tested positive for the Borrelia spp. gene, with a CI from 11.4 to 19.48% for dogs.

Five-year epidemiology of head, neck, and spinal cord injuries in West Azerbaijan province

Five-year epidemiology of head, neck, and spinal cord injuries in West Azerbaijan province

Studying the Spatio-temporal Pattern of Tuberculosis Using of Geographic Information System in West Azerbaijan Province from 2015 to 2019

Studying the Spatio-temporal Pattern of Tuberculosis Using of Geographic Information System in West Azerbaijan Province from 2015 to 2019

Frequency of the R202Q mutation of MEFV gene in Iranian patients with premature coronary artery disease: a report from West Azerbaijan province of Iran

Frequency of the R202Q mutation of MEFV gene in Iranian patients with premature coronary artery disease: a report from West Azerbaijan province of Iran

Rates and Causes of Neonatal Mortality In North-West of Iran

Background: The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) is a crucial indicator of a country's population health Objectives: This study aims to assess the rates and causes of NMR in West Azerbaijan. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study utilizes data from the Child Mortality Surveillance System (CMSS) spanning from 2013 to 2022. The study population comprised all neonates (< 28 days old) with permanent residency in any of the 17 cities within the West Azerbaijan province who died within the stated period. Mortality rates, both all-cause and cause-specific, were determined per 1 000 live births for the years 2013, 2016, and 2022. Results: The investigation covered 3 689 reports of neonatal deaths (< 28 days old) from 2013 to 2022. Of these, 53% were males, with an average gestational age of 31.85 ± 5.56 weeks. Over 72% of the deaths occurred in preterm infants, and 69% were linked to cesarean section deliveries. Perinatal prematurity was the leading cause of death during the periods examined, with rates of 32.3%, 35.2%, and 36.8% in 2013, 2016, and 2022, respectively. The distribution of neonatal mortality across the province was uneven, with Poldasht city experiencing the highest mortality rates and Shot city the lowest (9.13 and 2.89 per 1 000 live births, respectively). Conclusions: West Azerbaijan province has achieved the Health-related Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3) of reducing neonatal mortality to below 12 deaths per 1 000 live births by 2030. Nonetheless, significant disparities in NMR persist across the province. Further epidemiological research and the development of targeted health programs are essential to address areas with elevated mortality rates.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Performance Indicators of Academic and Non-academic Hospitals in West Azerbaijan Province in 2020

Background: Hospitals are the most important pillar of the country›s health system, especially when faced with a crisis. One of the most important indicators in evaluating hospitals is performance indicators. This research was done to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance indicators of academic and non-academic hospitals in West Azerbaijan province in 2020. Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was done on all academic and non-academic hospitals of West Azerbaijan province, which examined their performance indicators in 2019 and 2020. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software by repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results of repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated that the effect of time (coronavirus) on the index of bed occupancy ratio was significant (η2=0.24, P=0.006) so that it decreased this index in academic hospitals and had the opposite result in non-academic hospitals. The COVID-19 had a significant effect on the index of average patient stay (η2=0.47, P<0.001) and this index in both types of hospitals increased. Also, the COVID-19 had a significant effect on bed turnover rate (η2=0.32, P=0.001) and it decreased in both types of hospitals. Conclusion: Since academic hospitals are more responsible in dealing with epidemics, it is suggested to pay more attention to their infrastructures. Considering the financial burden of some non-communicable diseases, academic hospitals should be prepared to accept and support them, especially in the early period of the epidemic.

The Information Needs and Expectations of the Azeri Community Living in East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil and Zanjan Provinces from Public Libraries

The Information Needs and Expectations of the Azeri Community Living in East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil and Zanjan Provinces from Public Libraries