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The aim of this study is to determine three heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Cr) concentrations in cheese samples in Iraq markets that are produced in Iran and Turkey. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Human health risk parameters, such as Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Carcinogenic risk (CR) due to heavy metals were calculated in all cheese samples of the present study. The average value concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr in cheese samples made manufactured in Iran were 4.33±0.57 mg/kg, 0.135±0.03, mg/kg, and 0.183±0.12 mg/kg, respectively. While those which were made in Turkey, the values were found to be 3.89±0.63 mg/kg, 0.167±0.032 mg/kg, and 0.105±0.07 mg/kg, respectively. The average values of HI in Iranian and Turkish cheese samples were 0.526±0.07 and 0.483±0.26, respectively. While the average values of CR×10-6 for Pb, Cd, and Cr in Iranian cheese samples were 0.006±0.0007, 1.13±0.0007, and 0.0056±0.7, respectively. But in Turkish cheese samples were 0.005±0.0008, 0.37±0.07, and 0.65±0.4, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations in the present study were found to be of no statistical significance, compared to the Iranian and Turkish cheese samples, where P-value was (P > 0.05). Most values for Pb, Cd and Cr concentrations were found to be higher than the allowed limits according to EU Regulations, while the health risk parameters were within the accepted worldwide average limits. Therefore, it can be concluded that most cheese samples have no health risks by consuming this cheese by consumers in Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil loss (SL) and its related sedimentation in mountainous areas affect the lifetime and functionality of dams. Darbandikhan Lake is one example of a dam lake in the Zagros region that was filled in late 1961. Since then, the lake has received a considerable amount of sediments from the upstream area of the basin. Interestingly, a series of dams have been constructed (13 dams), leading to a change in the sedimentation rate arriving at the main reservoir. This motivated us to evaluate a different combination of equations to estimate the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR), and Reservoir Sedimentation (RSed). Sets of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) gathered by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD), AQUA eMODIS NDVI V6 data, in situ surveys by echo-sounding bathymetry, and other ancillary data were employed for this purpose. In this research, to estimate the RSed, five models of the SDR and the two most sensitive factors affecting soil-loss estimation were tested (i.e., rainfall erosivity (R) and cover management factor (C)) to propose a proper RUSLE-SDR model suitable for RSed modeling in mountainous areas. Thereafter, the proper RSed using field measurement of the bathymetric survey in Darbandikhan Lake Basin (DLB) was validated. The results show that six of the ninety scenarios tested have errors <20%. The best scenario out of the ninety is Scenario #18, which has an error of <1%, and its RSed is 0.46458 km3·yr−1. Moreover, this study advises using the Modified Fournier index (MIF) equations to estimate the R factor. Avoiding the combination of the Index of Connectivity (IC) model for calculating SDR and land cover for calculating the C factor to obtain better estimates is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relict tree Zelkova carpinifolia (Pall.) K. Koch, ordinarily growing in the Hyrcanian–Euxinian phytogeographic region, is reported for the first time from Iraq, namely the north-east of the country. The site lies on the margin of this species' distribution between the other extant isolated records in the south easternmost region of Turkey and western Iran. Given that this species is extremely rare in neighbouring countries, every single population makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the species' phytogeography and conservation. The oldest individuals reported in the study are 105, 102, 93, 90 and 84 years old, and the average age is 46. The palaeobotanical background, habitat characteristics and information on population characteristics are presented. Additionally, SEM micrographs of Zelkova carpinifolia leaves were taken and compared with published sources. The findings are discussed in the context of the worldwide distribution of the species and its conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed for analysis of the pattern of the nucleotide sequence of the tissue DNA isolates based on the ITS2,28SrDNA gene by the traditional polymerase chain reaction. All amplicons were well suited for the prepared primer with size 873 bp . and identical ratio ranged 87.2- 98% of the same species, as included a high similarity of the isolates taken camels in Iran and Iraq related to Parabronema skrjabini . Phylogenic tree inferred the degree of relatedness between 28SrDNA sequences deposited in the international nucleotide bank sequence database (NCBI). The sequence of Parabronema skrjabini was recorded in the Genbank under accession number MT742154.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper probes the process of heritage production in documentary films with a specific focus on the documentary film Taq Kasra Wonder of Architecture (Akbarzadeh, Pejman. 2018. Taq Kasra Wonder of Architecture. Amsterdam: Persian Dutch Network. .), which tells the story of the pre-Islamic Persian/Iranian historical site of Taq Kasra (the Arch of Ctesiphon), presently located in Iraq. The paper situates the film within a broader context of documentaries about Persian edifices in the region and draws on primary interview material with the documentary maker Pejman Akbarzadeh. Through its analyses, the paper shows how, especially in the Iranian setting, a documentary film can engage and (re)produce heritage, and how, when compared to that setting, Taq Kasra exposes persistent aspects of cultural politics within the Islamic Republic since its establishment after the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and Saddam Hussein's policies. In doing so, it is argued that the film provides a mode of critical enquiry into heritage in current historical and political circumstances in Iran. The paper addresses a lacuna in both critical heritage and film studies, namely, the analysis and interpretation of the making of heritage in film and as film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arvandroud river (also known as Shatt-al-Arab) and its estuary have been degraded due to the changing river flow regime in the Tigris and Euphrates. This study assessed changes in flow from the major rivers and the impacts on the estuary. To assess the river flow changes, three major flow regime attributes were computed: timing (TIF), magnitude (MIF), and variability (VIF). By combining these indices, the total flow regime impact factor (IF) was scaled between 0 and 1, and classified into five groups: Low (0.80

The world's largest ongoing collisional orogeny is the Europe Alps–Himalayan–SE Asian belt and is a natural laboratory to understand many processes that have shaped the continents. Due to political instability and conflict throughout this millennium, the Iraq (Kurdish) sector of the Zagros mountain chain is the least studied part of this orogenic system. In Iraq, the Zagros contains the suture between the Arabian subcontinent to the south and west and the Iranian edge of the Eurasian continent to the north and east. The suture zone is marked by several allochthons of Neotethyan ophiolitic and volcanic arc assemblages that were obducted onto the Arabian margin. New geochronological data, including SHRIMP U-Pb zircon, integrated with whole rock geochemistry, indicates that both Cretaceous (˜96 Ma) and Cenozoic (˜40 Ma) assemblages are present. The relationships between these units are complicated, thus some Cretaceous arc rocks were intruded by Cenozoic arc rocks, and out-of-sequence thrusting has interleaved and juxtaposed assemblages of different ages. Ongoing wrench faulting since continental collision at ˜14 Ma has further complicated the pattern of lithotectonic units, particularly those that were obducted out of the Neotethyan realm. The new data indicate that the Iraqi sector of Neotethys was not 'quiet' in the Cretaceous, but contains fragments of arcs of that age, contiguous with those along strike in Turkey, Iran and the Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Arias intensity is considered as a shaking parameter suitable for characterizing earthquake impact on ground stability. Within the framework of a study aimed at providing tools for the assessment of hazards related to earthquake-induced slope failures, Arias intensity attenuation relations were determined for the Zagros Mountains region, an active tectonic belt elongated NW–SE in the western and south-western part of Iran. The calculation of relation coefficients was based on strong-motion data of earthquakes located in the Zagros area and recorded by Iranian stations managed by the Building and Housing Research Center of Iran (BHRC). Five models of attenuation relation were considered and their coefficients were estimated through a least-square regression analysis. The relations obtained were then applied to a data sample different from that used for regression and the root mean square (RMS) of residuals was examined in order to compare effectiveness of different relations in probabilistic estimates. Furthermore a comparison made with attenuation relations obtained for Alborz and the central part of Iran showed significant differences possibly related to structural differences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Sarvak Formation (Albian to Turonian in age) of the Zagros basin is a thick sequence of shallow-water carbonates. This work focuses on the microfacies and sedimentary environment of the margin of the Cenomanian intrashelf basin. In the study area (southwest of Iran), the Sarvak Formation is subdivided into 12 microfacies that are distinguished by petrographic analysis on the basis of their depositional textures and fauna. In addition, four major depositional environments were identified in the Sarvak Formation. These include shelf lagoon, platform margin, slope and basin environmental settings, which are interpreted as a carbonate shelf without an effective barrier separating the platform from the open ocean. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During the course of his research in northwestern Iran, Bahman Kargar identified Rabat Tepe for the first time in 1986. In 2005 he excavated two architectural stages (Iron Age II and Iron Age III). Period I (=Iron Age III) is divided into two phases (Ia and Ib). Period II (=Iron Age [l) has not been the subject so far of excavations. Boulder/cobble and brick floors made with rows of brick and concentric circles of small cobbles were discovered. A large amount of remains were found during these excavations and include painted and glazed decorative bricks, pottery vessels and clay doornails. Preliminary observations, suggest a date of the 8th and 7th centuries B.C. for Rabat Tepe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 19 genera and 34 species of benthic foraminifera were identified in the Asmari Formation from a stratigraphic section located south Yasuj; north-central Zagros, Iran. The age of the Asmari Formation at the studied section is Oligocene (Rupelian-Chattian) and Early Miocene (Aquitanian-Burdigalian). Age was determined by the occurrence of Nummulites vascus-Nummulites fichteli; Eulepidina-Nephrolepidina-Nummulites; Miogypsinoides-Archaias-Valvulinid; and Borelis melo group-Meandropsina iranica assemblage zones. A Globbigerina spp. assemblage zone also occurs within the Borelis melo group-Meandropsina iranica assemblage zone west northwest of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new endemic aphid parasitoid species, Aphidius persicus sp. n., parasitic on Uroleucon chondrillae (Nevsky) in Iran and Iraq, is described. The identities of the new species and other co‐existing species of Aphidius are discussed. In the parasitoid association with Uroleucon aphids, A. persicus sp. n. probably replaces Aphidius funebris Mackauer in the studied area. The latter species is a common member of the parasitoid guild on Uroleucon species in the Western Palaearctic and Western Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic bronchitis is the most frequent late respiratory disease among Iranians exposed to mustard gas during the Iraq-Iran war. The aim of this study was to investigate efficacy of oral and intravenous corticosteroid therapy in improving lung function in mustard gas induced chronic bronchitis patients. 65 mustard gas-exposed chronic bronchitis patients, who were not responsive to standard treatments in exacerbation occasions, were randomly divided into two groups: an intravenous group (39 patients) receiving 500 mg intravenous methylprednisolone daily, and an oral group (26 patients) receiving 1 mg/kg oral prednisolone daily. Corticosteroid was tapered over the study period in both groups. Spirometery was performed on admission and on day 8 of therapy for assessment of effectiveness of therapy. There was significant improvement in spirometery indexes of both groups in approximately half of the patients over the study period. Furthermore, there was no difference between the pulse corticosteroid versus oral corticosteroid therapy in these patients. Since short-term corticosteroid therapy has a significant effect on lung function of almost fifty percent of patients with mustard gas-induced chronic bronchitis in exacerbation occasions, we suggest a short-term bolus steroid treatment to triage the patients into responders and non-responders for subsequent treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the elastic modulus of rocks is one of the crucial parameters in civil and petroleum engineering. Asmari geological formation is widely outcropped in a significant part of the west and SW of Iran and NE of Iraq. Understanding the static elastic modulus of host rocks is crucial because of the design and construction of numerous geotechnical structures and the presence of large hydrocarbon reservoirs in this formation. To determine the elastic modulus of intact rocks, the uniaxial compressive strength test is typically used. However, in jointed rocks and deep areas, where obtaining samples may be challenging, costly, or even impossible, correlations between static–dynamic elastic modulus (Es − Ed) is more frequently employed. Although some scholars have proposed correlations between Es − Ed, they had determined dynamic modules based on the ultrasonic test. In the aforementioned test, intact samples are used and the effect of discontinuities would not be considered; hence, the results cannot be considered as rock mass representative. In this study, to consider field geotechnical conditions, the dynamic modules were determined based on the downhole seismic test (DS) in a tunnel in located the west of Iran. Then from the results of static elastic modulus, which were obtained from core samples, a linear correlation was proposed between Es − Ed. The root-mean-square error and variance accounted showed that the predicted static elastic modulus by the proposed correlation is more accurate to a large extent. In addition, unlike the ultrasonic-based Ed, the results showed that the DS-based Ed is less than Es. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the establishment and management of medical services to injured soldiers throughout Iran and in the battlefields during its war with Iraq. The medical and surgical service to reduce unnecessary psychological and physical trauma caused by war. It suggests all combatants to attend first aid course with preliminary combat instruction before they will be dispatched. It notes that one or two trained medical helpers were designated to transfer the wounded to safe first aid centers. It points out that the medical unit is responsible for each brigade or combat division

Background: Leishmaniasis represents the important public health problem in the world. One of the main objectives of World Health organization is capacity building of managers and authorities who are involved with diseases control activities. Methods: The course was conducted in Esfahan Health Research and Training Center (E.H.R.T.C) in summer 2005 and 2009. The course carried out jointly by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOH) of Iran, World Health Organization- Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO-EMRO) and School of Public health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (SPH-TUMS) and designed for medical officers, senior technicians and managers involved in leishmaniasis control. Prior to initiate the course, pre-test evaluations including different subjects on leishmaniasis and its control were carried out. The examinations include multiple choice questions. The duration of the course was 3 weeks. A total of 206 contact hours were taught. The main subjects were Basic epidemiology, Leishmaniasis parasitology, Leishmaniasis entomology, control of vectors and reservoirs, principles of integrated pest management, Field work and Planning. Different methods of teaching including lecture, laboratory, workshop, team work, field exercise and presentation were used. Requirement for achievement of the course was to have at least 60% of the total mark for awarding the diploma certificate. Results: A total of 45 participants from Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran graduated from this course. Conclusion: The course is providing the skill for managers, how to combat against disease in their country and is parallel to the policy of the leishmaniasis control for capacity building in endemic areas of their countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

War as an unpleasant and stressful phenomenon could be the cause of psychiatric disorders. This study aims to collect and compare conducted research to estimate the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in combatants, veterans, and freed soldiers of the 1980–88 Iran-Iraq war. This study is a case review study in which articles were found using keywords, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), veterans, combatants, captive, soldiers and war in domestic and foreign databases, personal archives, libraries of Iran and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences and the National Library. The cumulative incidence of PTSD was determined to be 27.8% in veterans, combatants, and freed soldiers. The prevalence of PTSD as seen in civilian and some military studies is less than the values determined in this study. Reasons for this discrepancy may be due to longer durations of exposure and greater numbers of in-the-field missions, multiple traumas, and higher rates of combat exposure, as well as differences in sampling and measurement strategies (e.g. the use of questionnaires instead of clinical interviews). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus and Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis are strictly maritime species exhibiting a vast distribution range worldwide. In the 1920s, Bridled Terns were recorded in several localities within the Iraq-Iran geopolitical disputed areas in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf; however, there are no existing records of Sandwich Terns in Iraq. Through recent field observations, we confirm the occurrence of Bridled and Sandwich Terns in the Al-Faw Peninsula, Basra Province, on the northern edge of the Arabian Gulf in extreme southeast Iraq. The status of both species in Iraq is still enigmatic and requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By exposing individuals to trauma, wars can cause a host of psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to collect and compare the studies conducted to estimate the prevalence of depression among veterans, former prisoners of war (POWs) and military personnel in the Iran–Iraq war (1980–1988). In this systematic review, a search was conducted using relevant keywords in major national and international databases, personal archives and national academic libraries. We screened 135 records using their abstracts and selected a total of 56 studies for full‐text review. Eventually, 19 studies were included in our systematic review and meta‐analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of depression among Iranian veterans and POWs was 22.4% (95% confidence interval = 15.0–32.0). Although the results indicated disparities in the prevalence of depression among veterans and POWs, the aggregate estimated prevalence was much higher than what has been reported for military personnel. Effective policies and strategies are required for prevention and treatment of depression and related psychiatric complications among veterans and former POWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following recent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) outbreaks in Iranian poultry farms which were mostly associated with lesions of the avian gastrointestinal tract, it was speculated that the scale of the outbreaks could be attributed in part to co-circulating infectious agents or a new NDV genotype/subgenotype. This speculation was due to the isolation of a few 5th panzootic subgenotype VII.2 viruses from Iranian poultry farms in 2017. Samples from different species of commercial and domestic birds were collected from different provinces of Iran, 19 of which were selected for the current study. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the recent outbreaks have been caused by only one agent, i.e. the distinctive NDV subgenotype VII.1.1 (previously known VIIl) viruses that seem to be circulating predominantly in Iran, but have also been sporadically reported from Iraq among neighbouring countries. At most, 96.3–96.7% BLAST identity to non-Iranian VII.1.1 isolates was observed. Genetic distance values of <1% were indicative of high similarity between the isolates, but the values were approaximately 2% when the current isolates were compared to the earliest recorded Iranian VII.1.1 viruses isolated in 2010. Using Bayesian analysis, annual mutation rates of 1.7156E-3 (strict) and 1.9902E-3 (relaxed) over 11 years were obtained. In addition, we report that our laboratories have not detected any genotype XIII strains since 2011. Following up on previous reports, we concluded that currently, and except in Columbiforms, subgenotype VII.1.1 may likely be the predominant subgenotype in many bird species in Iran despite the subgenotype VII.2 being predominant in neighbouring countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper proposes a new method for 3D finite strain analysis. This method utilizes a Mohr circle construction combined with stereographic projection of the geometry of no finite longitudinal strain and with the strain ratio on the XZ-plane of the finite strain ellipsoid. The method is described using numerical examples and then it is tested by applying it to the deformed Deh Vazir conglomerate in the southwestern part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan HP-LT metamorphic belt, within the Zagros orogenic belt in Iran. The results of this method compare well with previous finite strain measurements using strain ratios on three principal planes of finite strain. Calculation of finite strain from strain ratios on the XY and YZ principal planes is advantageous when preparation of 3 perpendicular sections is difficult or impossible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Finite strain and vorticity of flow analyses were carried out within the Deh Vazir deformed conglomerates in the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic belt (Zagros Mountains, Iran). This belt is in a sequence of tectono-metamorphic complexes made of low- to high-grade metamorphic rocks affected by a polyphase deformation history. Using Rf/φ technique for two-dimensional strain analysis showed that the finite strain of XZ plane is RS =3.7±0.70. The calculation of the harmonic mean from the axial ratios of the extracted pebbles and plotting these data in the Flinn diagram resulted in K =0.7±0.38 (i.e. oblate strain ellipsoid). Kinematic vorticity analysis of deformed pebbles showed that WK parameter is 0.59±0.10 (i.e. pure-shear dominated non-coaxial flow). The results quantitatively support the recognition of a partitioned dextral inclined transpressive regime with bulk triclinic symmetry along the Sanandaj-Sirjan metamorphic belt resulted from the oblique collision between the African–Arabian continent and the Iranian microcontinents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Zagros accretionary prism in southwestern Iran is exposed along the NW–SE trending of the Zagros Thrust System and inclined Zagros transpression zone. This accretionary prism consists of two units: the upper sedimentary mélange unit on top and the high-pressure metamorphic mélange unit at the bottom. Both units show characteristics of a tectonic wedge. The upper unit consists of type-I, II and III mélanges which display S-, C- and C′-type shear-band cleavages, quartz ribbons and rectangular or fish-head boudins. The lower unit fabrics display σ-, and δ-type porphyroclasts and quartz ribbon mylonites. These fabrics formed from a combination of 60.5% simple shear and 39.5% pure shear. Both components were involved in a lateral exhumation of the high-pressure/low-temperature metamorphic rocks in an inclined transpression wedge-shaped geometry. The estimated kinematic vorticity number (Wk ) was calculated from quartz c-axis patterns, rotation of porphyroclasts and orientation of finite strain with respect to shear zone boundaries. Using the mean estimated Wm value of 0.84, the inclination angle for the thrust wedge on top of the NE-subducting Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere is 18°. The 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of early generations of biotite from the lower metamorphic mélange are 119.95±0.88Ma and 112.58±0.66Ma. This late Aptian age is related to early thrusting and formation of HP–LT metamorphic rocks. The dating of two amphibole samples from the amphibolite yields a weighted mean age of 91.23±0.89Ma. This Turonian–Cenomanian age suggests a later metamorphic event associated with subduction and obduction of the Neyriz ophiolite and later lateral extrusion of HP–LT metamorphic rocks along the inclined Zagros accretionary prism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the vacuum liquid chromatographic (VLC) fractions of the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of the bulbs of Ornithogalum cuspidatum, a native perennial of Iran, Iraq and Turkey, led to the identification of a number of steroidal compounds. The free radical scavenging activity of the DCM extract was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and found to be much weaker (RC50 = 0.5197 mg/mL) than that of the positive control Trolox® (RC50 = 3.07 x 10-3 mg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gachsaran Formation from the Fars Group has a vast extent in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar (Dam Formation). It extends from the Zagros Folded Belt Zone in the south of Iran to the north of Iraq, and even to northeast Syria (Fatha Formation). In order to eliminate the ambiguities of the proposed age and cover the regional information misplacements in cases where biostratigraphy studies can be effective, surface outcrops of these deposits were investigated in three stratigraphic sections near the border of Iran and Iraq, in the area behind the mountains of the Lurestan region (Posht-e-Kuh arc). According to similar results obtained in two other sections, the age of the Gachsaran Formation in the studied region is considered to be Early Miocene (Late Burdigalian). Comparison of the results of this study with biostratigraphic studies from other parts of the Middle East, which includes 16 study areas, shows that the Gachsaran Formation in Iran and its equivalent formations (Fatha and Dam) in neighboring countries have an age range of early Miocene (Aquitanian-Burdigalian) and even Burdigalian. This age has been determined by comparing the biological contents of the Gachsaran Formation with valid official biozones, as well as the presence of the index fossil Borelis melo curdica, to cover the information gap in the area. Isotopic studies of these sections in the region show that the maximum age of these sediments is early Miocene (Burdigalian), and this confirms the results of biostratigraphic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a destructive and harmful chemical agent for the eyes, skin and lungs that causes short-term and long-term lesions and was widely used in Iraq war against Iran (1980–1988). SM causes DNA damages, oxidative stress, and Inflammation. Considering the similarities between SM and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) pathogens and limited available treatments, a novel therapeutic approach is not developed. Gene therapy is a novel therapeutic approach that uses genetic engineering science in treatment of most diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this review, attempts to presenting a comprehensive study of mustard lung and introducing the genes therapy involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphasizing the pathways and genes involved in the pathology and pathogenesis of sulfur Mustard. It seems that, given the high potential of gene therapy and the fact that this experimental technique is a candidate for the treatment of pulmonary diseases, further study of genes, vectors and gene transfer systems can draw a very positive perspective of gene therapy in near future. • Sulfur mustard is a destructive and harmful chemical agent. • It causes DNA damages, oxidative stress, and Inflammation. • Gene therapy is a novel therapeutic approach in pulmonary disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteinases and have the vigorous capacity to degrade all parts of the extracellular matrix. MMP enzymes strongly participate in physiological processes such as normal tissue remodeling and wound healing and in pathology of pulmonary diseases. They are released in response to environmental stimuli such as toxins and regulated by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical toxic which can cause severe permanent damages to lung tissues. The aim of this study was assessing the possible role of MMP-9 and TIMPs in SM-induced lung symptoms and signs in exposed patients 20 years after exposure. Methods: Totally, 372 male volunteers with a history of SM exposure and 128 age- and sex-matched unexposed controls participated and were divided into three groups: normal, mild and moderate-severe. All participants underwent clinical evaluation and pulmonary function tests and serum concentrations of MMP-9 and its inhibitors were measured using the ELISA technique. Results: Serum level of MMP-9 was increased in the SM exposed group who had moderate-severe pulmonary complications compared with the SM exposed with normal lung (2.321 ±2.836 vs. 1.546 ±2.176, P = 0.001) while only the MMP-9/TIMP-4 complex was elevated in the SM exposed with normal lung individuals compared to its corresponding control group (85 ± 265 vs. 82 ± 222, P = 0.025). Although MMP-9 and its inhibitors did not show any correlation with spirometry findings, elevated circulating MMP-9 was detected in SM exposed patients with chronic chough and hemoptysis (P = 0.013 and P= 0.013 respectively). Conclusion: High level of tissue disruption and remodeling mediators could influence lung structure in long-term after SM exposure. The correlation of clinical evaluation with these factors efficiently helps us to identify important effectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the microevolutionary scales of Entamoeba isolates, the gene migration shows how Entamoeba spp. has epidemiologically drifted among border countries. Five hundred fecal samples were taken from patients suffering gastrointestinal disorders, abdominal pain, and diarrhea at Saggez, northwest Iran located within the border Iraq country. Following parasitological techniques, DNA samples were extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 18S rRNA region to identify Entamoeba infections. To distinguish the Entamoeba spp., a multiplex PCR was conducted. Amplicons were sequenced to reconfirm their heterogeneity traits and phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, Entamoeba histolytica sequences of Iraq were retrieved from GenBank database. The suspected isolates were diagnosed as E. histolytica (2.2 %), Entamoeba moshkovskii (1 %), and Entamoeba dispar (0.4 %). Mixed Entamoeba infections did not detect among isolates. A parsimonious network of the sequence haplotypes displayed star-like features in the overall isolates containing E.h1, E.d2, and E.m3 as the most common haplotypes. According to analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) test, high partial value of haplotype diversity (0.700 to 0.800) of E. histolytica was shown the total genetic variability within populations while nucleotide diversity was low among Iranian and Iraqi metapopulations. Neutrality indices of the 18S rRNA were shown negative values in E. histolytica populations which indicating significant deviations from neutrality. A pairwise fixation index ( F-statistics [ Fst]) as a degree of gene flow had a low value for all populations (0.001) while the number of migrants was 2.48. The statistically Fst value indicates that E. histolytica isolates are not genetically differentiated among shared isolates of Iran and Iraq. Occurrence of E.h1 between two regional populations indicates that there is dawn of Entamoeba flow due to transfer of alleles from one population to another population through host mobility and ecological alterations. To evaluate the hypothetical evolutionary scenario, further study is required to analyze Entamoeba spp. in the neighboring Middle East countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Iraq-Iran war was one of the longest conflicts in the twentieth century. The aim of our research was to review the incidence of mortality and injuries of the war. Methods: A search strategy was designed and run in Medline, EM BASE, Scopus, and Iranian databases including Scientific Information Database (SID), lranMedex, and Magiran. Also, searching grey literature, checking references, tracking citations, hand-searching of focused journals, and websites were utilized for retrieval of related studies. All of articles which studied epidemiology of mortality or injuries of the war were included. The excluding criteria were case reports, case series, laboratory researches, and nonoriginal studies. Results: Fourteen articles out of 1751 primary results were selected to be included in the study. During the war ( 1980-1988), 188,015 to 217,489 Iranians were killed (about 70 people per day). The mean age of mortality was 23 years. Six thousand four hundred twenty-seven (2.9 %) of those who died during the war were females. One thousand five chemical warfare victims died between 1983 and 1994. From 1985 through 1998, 82 veterans had successful suicides too. At the end of war, we had 398, 587 veterans who needed follow-up. Among them, there were 52,000 chemical warfare victims. Between 1988 and 2003, 1400 people died and 2313 injured due to landmines and unexploded ordinances in five border provinces. Conclusion: The war caused a lot of mortalities and morbidities in our country. Now, 24 years after the war, many physically, mentally, and chemically injured victims have remained . We suggest other studies about indirect impacts of the war on societies, families, friends, and affiliates of the victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation and distribution of fractures in the Oligocene-Early Miocene Asmari Formation (a major reservoir rock of the Zagros petroleum system) were investigated in two anticlines of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt. The Sim and Kuh-e-Asmari anticlines developed in the areas of the Zagros characterized by the occurrence and absence of Cambrian evaporites at the bottom of the stratigraphic pile, respectively. The aim was to outline major differences in terms of fracture spacing and saturation. Organic matter maturity and clay minerals-based geothermometers suggest that the depth of deformation for the top of the Asmari Formation in the Kuh-e-Asmari anticline was in the range of 1.5-2.7 km assuming a geothermal gradient of 22.5 °C/km. The Asmari Formation in the Sim anticline probably experienced a slightly deeper sedimentary burial (maximum 3 km) with a geothermal gradient of 20 °C/km. The spacing of fractures is generally 2-3 times larger (i.e., strain accommodated by fracturing is smaller) in the Sim anticline than in the Kuh-e-Asmari anticline. This is consistent with regional geological studies, analogue, and numerical models that suggest that thrust faults geometry and related folds are markedly different in the absence or presence of a weak decòllement (evaporites). The larger spacing in the Sim anticline is also consistent with higher temperature predicted for the Asmari Formation in this area. By contrast, the orientation of fractures with respect to the fold axes is the same in both anticlines. The fracture systems are rather immature in both anticlines. The amount and density of fractures in the twofolds are controlled by regional (occurrence/absence of salt and probably different burial), rather than local features (fold geometry). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mustard gas, a known chemical weapon, was used during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-1988. We aimed to determine if exposure to mustard gas among men was significantly associated with abnormalities and disorders among progenies. Methods: Using a case-control design, we identified all progenies of Sardasht men (exposed group, n = 498), who were born at least nine months after the exposure, compared to age-matched controls in Rabat, a nearby city (non-exposed group, n = 689). We conducted a thorough medical history, physical examination, and appropriate paraclinical studies to detect any physical abnormality and/or disorder. Given the presence of correlated data, we applied Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) multivariable models to determine associations. Results: The overall frequency of detected physical abnormalities and disorders was significantly higher in the exposed group (19% vs. 11%, Odds Ratio [OR] 1.93, 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.37-2.72, P = 0.0002). This was consistent across sexes. Congenital anomalies (OR 3.54, 95% CI, 1.58-7.93, P = 0.002) and asthma (OR, 3.12, 95% CI, 1.43-6.80, P = 0.004) were most commonly associated with exposure. No single abnormality was associated with paternal exposure to mustard gas. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a generational effect of exposure to mustard gas. The lasting effects of mustard gas exposure in parents effects fertility and may impact child health and development in the long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Iran-Iraq war (1980 to 1988) was one of the longest wars of the twentieth century. Few studies are available in the current literature evaluating the long-term results of proximal lower-extremity war-related amputations. The purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the current health-related quality of life and clinical musculoskeletal function of Iranian veterans with hip or hemipelvic amputation. Methods: Seventy-six patients from a cohort of eighty-four veterans with hip disarticulation and transpelvic amputation participated in this study. A Persian version of Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) was completed for all of the veterans. Results: The average duration of follow-up was 26.6 ± 3.7 years. The average age (and standard deviation) of the veterans was 44.1 ± 7.0 years. The average scores for the physical and mental health dimensions of the SF-36 were 45.85 ± 21.56 and 57.98 ± 25.19, respectively. These data indicate that the amputees were doing better in the mental domain than in the physical domain. Forty-five patients with a primary amputation (97.8%) and ten with a secondary amputation (33.3%) complained of pain in the amputation stump. Conclusions: Veterans with proximal lower-extremity amputation will need life-long care. Supervision starts with stump management and the application of appropriate surgical techniques at the time of the injury and continues with periodic examination throughout life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]