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Background radiation can be different in both indoor and outdoor places. Background radiation is always in the environment, and all people in the community are constantly exposed to it. The most important source of exposure to gamma ray is natural radionuclides. Gamma rays can have harmful effects on the human body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health risk of gamma-ray exposure and to simulate using the Monte Carlo simulation. In this study, gamma-ray data were extracted from the studies carried out at intervals January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2018. Iranian and international databases were used to search for the articles. A total of 11 studies were found. To determine the health effects of gamma-ray radiation, the annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were calculated. To determine the uncertainty, a health risk assessment was conducted via Monte Carlo simulation. In outdoor, the mean, highest, and lowest absorbed dose of gamma ray were 117.82 nSv/h, 295.17 nSv/h, and 49 nSv/h, respectively. Ardabil Province and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province have the highest and lowest gamma ray concentrations, respectively. In indoor, the mean, highest, and lowest absorbed dose of gamma ray were 118.22 nSv/h, 141 nSv/h, and 60.2 nSv/h, respectively. The last column, the mean, maximum, and minimum of excess lifetime cancer risk values for gamma-ray radiation were 2.45E−3, 4.17E−3, and 4.61E−4, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of high variations in fluoride concentration and many contaminated areas, Iran has been known as an interesting country regarding different fluoride studies. However, researches on fluoride concentration and its effects in northern strip of Iran are limited; moreover, risk assessment studies have been neglected in these areas. Therefore, this study focused on the measurement and risk assessment of fluoride in water supplies of villages around Babol County in north of Iran. Therefore, this descriptive cross-sectional research was performed in the city of Babol, Iran, 2017. Eighty water samples were taken from 40 wells in the rural areas (40 and 40 samples in cold and warm seasons). The SPANDS method was used for the measurement of fluoride concentration. The non-carcinogenic risk of fluoride was assessed in four age groups (infant, children, teenager and adult). The risk of dental and skeletal fluorosis was counted based on the international standard. From all villages (n = 24), respectively, 4 and 3 villages in cold and warm seasons had proper fluoride concentrations according to the WHO standard; fluoride concentration of other villages was lower than the WHO minimum standard of. Any observable risk of dental and skeletal fluorosis in all studied villages for the whole age groups was not observed; the HQ of all the villages was lower than 1 except for Kalhu Dasht because its HQ was higher than 1 in infants and children in cold season. Infant and children of this village were exposed to risk of dental fluorosis. In northern areas of Iran, not only there is not a risk of dental or skeletal fluorosis, which is related to high concentration of fluoride, but also there is a risk of dental decay due to low fluoride concentration in water drinking water. However, this hypothesis needs to further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride in drinking water is an important chemical species with regard to public health considerations, although a fluoride concentration of about 1.5 mg L-1 in drinking water can decrease tooth decay and higher concentrations cause health problems. The concentration of fluoride in water is affected by some chemical characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between fluoride and other chemical parameters (pH, Turbidity, EC, TDS, TH, ALK, Cl-, SO4 2-, NO3-, NO2-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, PO4 3-) in water bodies located in Showt, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Sample preparation and analysis were performed according to standard methods. A wide range of fluoride concentrations was measured in this study (0.0-5.5 mg L-1). The results indicated that alkalinity and Na+ have a significant positive relationship with fluoride concentrations in water wells. Nevertheless, total hardness (TH) showed an inverse relationship with fluoride concentration. In addition, for a one-unit increase in alkalinity and Na+ concentration, the average amount of fluoride in water increased by 0.0028 and 0.16, respectively. Furthermore, for a one-unit increase in total hardness, the average amount of fluoride in water decreased by 0.005. In conclusion, fluoride concentration was affected by numerous factors such as hardness, alkalinity, and Na+ concentration. The findings of this study suggest that a suitable treatment of the groundwater is needed in contaminated areas before its use for drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the genetic parameters of autosomal and sexlinked effects for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG) and kleiber ratio (KR) of Makuie sheep. The data set used in this study was collected at Makuie sheep breeding station in West Azerbaijan province, Iran, between 1994 and 2011. The fixed effects included herd-year, sex (male or female), birth type (single or twin), and age of dam (five classes, 2-6 years old). The three multivariate linear animal models including direct (autosomal and sex-linked) and maternal effects were used to analyze data. The 2nd model (including direct additive genetic effects of animal (autosomal and sex-linked) and permanent environmental effects), with the lowest AIC value was considered as the most appropriate model. Based on the most appropriate fitted model, direct autosomal and sex-linked heritabilities of BW, WW, ADG and KR were 0.12±0.04 and 0.03±0.03, 0.18±0.04 and 0.05±0.03, 0.37±0.04 and 0.04±0.03, and 0.52±0.05 and 0.07±0.04, respectively. The magnitude of sex-linked variances as a proportion of phenotypic variance obtained by the best model were 4%, 4.5%, 3% and 5.7% for BW, WW, ADG and KR, respectively. Also, the autosomal and sex-linked chromosomes, maternal permanent environmental and phenotypic correlations were ranged from -0.20 to 0.96, 0.11 to 0.84, -0.34 to 0.89 and -0.20 to 0.91, respectively. The results of this study indicated that the sex-linked chromosomes have an affect like maternal effects, and it could contribute to a more accurate estimation of the direct autosomal heritability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, harmful contaminants such as nitrate and fluoride have become more common. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 on the ground water resources of Baradaskan city. In order to investigate the concentration fluoride and nitrate, sampling was done in 30 drinking water resources, then chemical parameters were analyzed according to standard method. The purposes of this investigation was (1) to provide an overview of present drinking water quality and compare it with the national standard (2) to determine spatial distribution of groundwater quality fluoride and nitrate concentrations, (3) to map groundwater quality in the study area, using GIS (V10.3), and (4) human health risk assessment was performed by calculating the chronic daily intake (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) of fluoride and nitrate through oral intake for infants, children, teenagers and adults. The minimum and maximum values of nitrate and fluoride concentrations were between 0.0- 77.2, 0.2-1.036 mg/l, respectively. Spatial distributions of nitrate and fluoride concentrations showed that highest nitrate and lowest fluoride concentrations occurred in the north-east region of the study area. HQ values of nitrate for children, teenagers and adults 3, 1, 2 villages were more than one. In contrast, mean HQ values of fluoride were lower than 1, which was mostly acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference 1 Najafi F, Rezaei S, Hajizadeh M. Decomposing socioeconomic inequality in dental caries in Iran: cross-sectional results from the PERSIAN cohort study. B Correction to: Archives of Public Health 78, 75 (2020) b https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-020-00457-4 Following publication of the original article [[1]], the authors reported an error of the ethical code in the Ethics approval and consent to participate section. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this study was to assess patients' satisfaction and functional outcome of dorsal hand unit reconstruction in burn patients in Shiraz, southern Iran.From September 2013 to February 2017, 11 patients (15 hands) with hand aesthetic complaint who were unhappy with their hand appearance were included for dorsal hand unit reconstruction. Under general anesthesia and tourniquet control, the burned tissue on dorsal surface of the hands was excised and a thick partial thickness skin graft was used for coverage, whereas the fingers were fixed by sutures to the palm. After 1 year, the five-points scale was used for evaluation of patients' satisfaction regarding the five major activities considered for hand function before and after operation. The mean age of the patients was 25.8 ± 5.17 years. The skin grafts were well taken. Six (40%) and eight patients (53%) reported the result of operation as completely satisfied and satisfied, respectively. Dorsal hand unit reconstruction in patients with dorsal hand contracture and significant dorsal scar was shown to simultaneously improve the function and aesthetic outcome of the surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore predictors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related risky sexual behaviors among women with substance use. A total of 150 women were selected from harm reduction centers in Tehran, Iran, and completed the risk behavior assessment, the Beck depression inventory, the revised self-efficacy scale, and the peer group beliefs regarding HIV-related risk behaviors scale. The results showed that age (β = −.07,P˂ .01) and exchange of sex for drugs or money (β = 3.34,P˂ .001) were significant predictors of whether women had multiple sex partners. Moreover, depression (β = .06,P˂ .05), exchange of sex for drugs or money (β = 1.42,P˂ .01), and self-efficacy (β = −.19,P˂ .001) significantly predicted unprotected sex among women with substance use. Accordingly, providing female substance users with harm reduction services and developing HIV prevention programs are likely to decrease high-risk sexual behaviors and consequent HIV infection within this vulnerable group. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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The northwest-southeast-trending Zagros Fold-and Thrust Belt in south Iran resulted from the late Oligocene to the early Miocene collision of the Arabian and Central Iran blocks. The Zagros Palaeozoic basin holds the key to reveal the tectonic setting of the earlier stages in the development of the Tethyan realm. We aim to document the Palaeozoic tectonic environment of the Zagros Basin and provide critical constraints on the progressive closure of the Palaeo-Tethys. This work presents a combined detrital zircon U Pb age and Hf isotopic composition from the Zagros and Alborz basins in an attempt to identify and date major geologic events along the southern margin of the Palaeo-Tethys and reconstruct the regional tectonic history of the northern margin of Gondwana-Land during the Ediacaran-early Palaeozoic interval. Detrital zircons U Pb age and Hf-isotope ratio from Zagros second-cycle Devonian and third-cycle Permian sandstones and Alborz Palaeozoic strata indicate main magmatic flare-ups in the Arabian-Nubian Shield including the Tonian island arc magmatism, the Ediacaran post-orocline-tightening magmatism, the late Ediacaran-early Cambrian Protogonos continental arc magmatism. In addition, detrital zircons recorded the Ordovician continuation of the arc activity in the Protogonos during the early Palaeozoic. Therefore, repetitive recycling of the Neoproterozoic crystalline basement and related sedimentary cover of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, i.e., the Saharides, is a plausible source of the Devonian and Permian strata in Zagros. Our results show a close geological tie between Alborz and other Gondwana-Land-derived units in terms of Palaeozoic detritus sources which is in concordance with the location of the suture along the northern margin of the Alborz Mountains. Separation of the Alborz from the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone is accomplished by inserting from the east, the Central Iranian Blocks (Yazd, Posht-e Badam, Tabas, Lut) by strike-slip stacking and anti-clockwise rotation. This created the extensional zone of Northwest Iran. • Tonian and Ediacaran zircons represent island arc and continental arc magmatism. • Devonian second cycle sandstones were supplied from Neoproterozoic-Cambrian sediments. • Permian third cycle sandstones were sourced from reworked Devonian sediments. • Devonian and Permian was a wide magmatic quiescent period in Arabia. • Rotational stacking of Central Iran created the extensional zone of Northwest Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was estimation of genetic parameter using random regression model (RRM) with various error variance in Iranian Kordi sheep. The data (consisting of 7875 weight records from birth to 360 days of age) were collected during the period 2000 to 2013 from the rearing and breeding station of Kordi sheep in Shirvan, Iran. The independent variables were Legendre polynomials (LP) of age at weighing and orders of fit from 2 to 5 were considered. Analyses were carried out fitting sets of random regression coefficients due to direct additive genetic, direct and maternal permanent environmental effects, with heterogeneous and homogeneous error variances. To compare the model were used different criteria such as LogL, AIC, BIC and LRT. The best fitting RRM among homogeneous error variance was the model with a LP of fourth order for fixed effect, fourth order for direct additive genetic and fifth order for direct and maternal permanent environmental effects (model 4455). Among the models with heterogeneous error variances different, model 7 (Heterogeneous error variances of 72 various classes), was selected as the best model. The variances increased along the trajectory from 3.75 to 12.81, 4.43 to 30.28 and 1.49 to 8.49; 0.25 to 27.94, 0.03 to 12.32 and 0.15 to 22.66 for direct additive genetic, direct and maternal permanent environmental effect by homogeneous and heterogeneous error variances, respectively. The direct heritability ranged from 0.15 to 0.41 and 0.11 to 0.56 by homogeneous and heterogeneous error variances, respectively. Genetic correlation between adjacent test days was more than between distant test days. This research has demonstrated the possibility of application of RRM with heterogeneous error variance for genetic evaluation of Iranian Kordi Sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kurdistan Province in Iran is a historical focus for plague and tularemia. This study aimed at assessing the current status of these two foci by studying their rodent reservoirs. Materials and Methods: Rodents were trapped and their ectoparasites were collected. The genus and species of both rodents and ectoparasites were determined. Serological analyses of rodent blood samples were done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for plague and by standard tube agglutination assay for tularemia. Rodent spleen samples were subjected to bacterial culture, microscopic examination, and real-time PCR to search for active plague or tularemia infection. Results: During this study, 245 rodents were trapped, of which the most abundant genera were Apodemus (40%), Mus (24.49%), and Meriones (12.65%). One hundred fifty-three fleas, 37 mites, and 54 ticks were collected on these rodents. The results of all direct and indirect tests were negative for plague. Serological tests were positive for tularemia in 4.8% of trapped rodents. Discussion: This study is the first report on the presence of tularemia infection in rodents in Western Iran. Since Meriones persicus is a known reservoir for plague and tularemia, and this rodent carried plague and tularemia vectors in Marivan and Sanandaj districts, there is a real potential for the occurrence of these two diseases in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on evaluating the chemical quality of groundwater in Bandar-e Gaz city, Iran, and talks of mapping the quality of groundwater using Geographical Information System (GIS) software, measuring fluoride content and hardness of water, and promotion of community health.

Six hundred horse serum samples were analyzed for equine influenza virus-specific antibodies using competitive ELISA in Fars Province (south of Iran) (2011-2012). In our study, 2.5 % of horses had a positive reaction which was proved to be due to natural exposure to equine influenza virus. Of the horses, 1.94 % were positive in autumn and 5.47 % were positive in winter. No significant difference was found among the prevalences of the disease in different breeds. It was concluded that the seroprevalence of equine influenza is quite low in the south of Iran. In view of no vaccination coverage for equine influenza in the country, the necessity of surveillance should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to compare different polynomial functions including Legendre polynomials (LP), Wilmink (WRR) and Ali-Schaeffer (ARR) functions, in random regression model (RRM) for estimation of genetic parameters for milk production traits of Iranian Holstein dairy cattle. For this purpose the performance records obtained from test-day (TD) regarding milk yield, fat and protein contents of the cows calving for the first time were used. The numbers of records for the above mentioned traits were 701212, 657004, and 560775, respectively. These records were collected from the years 2006 to 2010 by the National Breeding Center of Iran. The genetic parameters were estimated using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method by applying RRM. Residual variances were considered homogeneous over the lactation period. To compare the model, different criteria (-2Logl, AIC, BIC and RV) were used for considered traits. Based on the results obtained, for all traits, RRM with LP function (2,5) were chosen as the best model. Considering residual variance (RV), LP (2,2) was proved to be a model which has the lowest performance, while using -2Logl, AIC, BIC criteria, RRM with ARR function was the worst model. According to the results, it is recommended to use LP with low orders for the additive genetic effects and with more orders for the permanent environment effects in the RRM for Iranian Holstein cattle. Permanent environment variance was higher in early lactation than during lactation and additive genetic variance in the early lactation was lower than at the end of lactation. Heritability range of milk yield, fat and protein contents was estimated to be from 0.08 to 0.23, 0.05 to 0.20 and 0.08 to 0.14, respectively. Phenotypic variance of the considered traits during lactation was not constant and it was higher at the beginning and the end of lactation. The additive genetic correlation between adjacent test days was higher than between distant test days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Efficient use of energy resources in crop production is an important goal in sustainable agriculture. This study compares the energy flow in farming systems across farm size with their corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions - presented in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq.) - in the north of Iran. To reach this aim, primary data were collected by survey with farmers whose main activity was major crops production in the region that included wheat, barley, canola, soybean, paddy and corn silage. The results showed that total energy input for corn silage (52.1GJha−1) is greater than other systems. The results also revealed that yield and output energy of crops were not significantly affected by field size, whereas energy use efficiency of systems increased significantly as field size increased. Study shows that the cultivation of paddy emits the highest CO2 eq. emission (6094kg CO2 eq. ha−1) among crops, in which around 60% is contributed by methane (CH4). The efficient use of fertilizers, optimized pumping facilities for irrigation, stopping of crop residue burning in the field and use them for energy supply could be among the options to improve energy use efficiency and mitigate GHG emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The prospects of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and for carbon income, up to and beyond 2012, in the industrial sectors of Iran and five other Asian countries are investigated. The attractiveness and suitability of each host country, the status of their industrial sectors (based on four post-2012 scenarios), and the post-2012 potential of the CDM (or similar carbon projects) in these sectors are all examined. A multi-criteria analysis of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, China, and India, based on seven sets of criteria (institutional, regulatory, economic, political, social, CDM experience, and energy production/consumption), is conducted, and the post-2012 potential carbon incomes of each country – based on CO2e emissions of industrial processes – are calculated. Finally, the Iranian industrial sector and the impact of deregulation of energy prices are examined. The post-2012 potential savings in the Iranian industrial sector are calculated based on energy savings, carbon income, and environmental savings. The results indicate that there is strong demand for investment and new technology in this sector to combat several-fold energy price increases. Moreover, high-priced carbon credits could play a meaningful role in post-2012 energy policies in this sector. Policy relevance This research is the first study to quantify the carbon market potentials in the industrial sectors of the selected Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members. The Kyoto Protocol is considered by most OPEC countries to be a mixed bag of threats and opportunities and they have shown ambivalence towards it, mainly due to the threat a reduction of fossil fuel consumption poses to their economies. On the other hand, energy efficiency is a desirable goal for their industrial sectors. Iran, as an OPEC member country with vast energy resources, has mostly ignored the CDM during the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol and has performed poorly on CDM implementation. However, the current deregulation of energy prices in Iran, with profound cuts in energy subsidies, would definitely alter the perspective of its industrial decision makers on the post-2012 carbon potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The objective of this study was the application of non-parametric method of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to analyze the efficiency of farmers, discriminate efficient farmers from inefficient ones and to identify wasteful uses of energy for alfalfa production in Hamedan province, Iran. This method was used based on eight energy inputs including human labor, machinery, diesel fuel, fertilizers, farmyard manure, biocide, electricity and seed energy and single output of alfalfa yield. Technical, pure technical, scale and cross efficiencies were calculated using CCR and BCC models for farmers. From this study the following results were obtained: from the total of 80 farmers, considered for the analysis, 46% and 69% were found to be technically and pure technically efficient, respectively. The average values of technical, pure technical and scale efficiency scores of farmers were 0.84, 0.97 and 0.89, respectively. Also, energy saving target ratio for alfalfa production was calculated as 9.4%, indicating that by following the recommendations resulted from this study, about 75.90GJ ha−1 of total input energy could be saved while holding the constant level of alfalfa yield. Moreover the contribution of electricity input from total saving energy was 77.4% which was the highest share followed by chemical fertilizers (15%) and diesel fuel (4%) energy inputs. Optimization of energy use improved the energy use efficiency, energy productivity and net energy by 10.6%, 10.4% and 10.6%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was conducted to detect the serotypes Arkansas, Connecticut, Beaudette and Florida in broiler chicken farms in Fars province of Iran. The samples were obtained from 32 broiler chicken farms experiencing respiratory signs with high mortality and clinically diagnosed as avian infectious bronchitis. Total RNAs were extracted from the scrapped mucosa of tracheas and RT-PCR tests were performed using different types of primers including Del1 (F, R), (XCE-1, 2), (XCE-3 & BCE- 1), (XCE-3 & MCE-1), S1 OLIGO (F, R) and S1 OLIGO NEW (F, R). Infectious bronchitis virus was detected in 72% poultry farms. The serotypes 4/91 and Massachusetts were detected in 47.9 and 21.8% farms, respectively, but the serotypes in 7 farms remained unclear. The results showed that there is no evidence for the presence of serotypes Arkansas, Connecticut, Beaudette and Florida in broiler chicken farms in Fars province of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines energy use patterns and the relationship between energy inputs and yield for soybean production in the Golestan province of Iran. Data used in this study were obtained from randomly selected soybean farms using a face-to-face survey. The results revealed that total energy of 35372.23 MJ ha-1 was required for soybean production and electricity, chemical fertilizers, and diesel fuel were the main energy consuming inputs. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and specific energy were 2.29, 0.09 kg MJ-1, and 10.94 MJ kg-1, respectively. Moreover, in specifying a functional relationship the Cobb-Douglas production function was selected as the best function. The results showed that fertilizer, water for irrigation, diesel fuel, machinery, human labor, and electricity energies significantly contributed to yield; while, the use of chemicals and seed energies was inconsistent with output. Also, the marginal physical productivity (MPP) technique was applied to analyze the effect of energy use on soybean production. It was found that, soybean production had more sensitivity on machinery, human labor, and water for irrigation energies; so that, an additional use of 1 MJ from each of the machinery, human labor, and water for irrigation energies would lead to increase in output by 0.57, 0.44, and 0.23 kg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Early excision and grafting (E&G) of burn wounds has been reported to decrease hospital stay, hospital costs and septic complications, and some purport reduced mortality while decreasing hospital costs. In today''s practice, all burn wounds unlikely to achieve spontaneous closure within 3 weeks are excised and grafted. Early studies did not demonstrate dramatic differences in cosmetic or functional results. This is particularly true with burns of the face, hands and feet. In this study, early excision and skin grafting was compared with delayed skin grafting in deep hand burns. Materials and methods: From September 2006 to February 2008, 50 patients with hand burns and average burn size less than 30% total body surface area (TBSA) deep second- and third-degree were randomly divided into early E&G group (group I) and delayed grafting group (group II). Gradual and careful limb and digit range of motion was started on about 10th–14th postoperative day. We used a questionnaire based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire to evaluate final functional outcome. Further, hypertrophic scar formation, contracture and deformities were followed and managed accordingly. Results: The most common site of involvement was the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint with frequency of 39% and 40% in groups I and II, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between both groups regarding deformity severity, scar formation, sensation, major activities and overall satisfaction. Discussion: In treating burns of the hand, the primary goal should always be to restore the functionality of the hand. Although early surgery shortens the healing time and lessens the hospital stay, our results did not show any significant difference between these two methods regarding the function, scar formation, daily activity limitation and overall satisfaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aim: Main feature of auditory processing abilities is temporal processing including temporal resolution, temporal ordering, temporal integration and temporal masking. Many studies have shown the superiority of musicians in temporal discrimination over non-musicians. In this study we compared temporal processing in musicians and non-musician controls via Gap in Noise (GIN) test. Methods: This cohort study was conducted on 24 musicians with mean age of 25.3 years and 24 normal hearing non-musician controls with mean age of 24.5 years, in Faculty of Rehabilitation of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. GIN test results (approximate threshold and percent of corrected answers) obtained and analyzed by Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical test. Results: There was significant difference between approximate threshold and percent of corrected answers between musicians and non-musician group (p<0.001), while no sex difference was observed between both groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: the lower approximate threshold and the more corrected answers in GIN test by musician group indicate rapid auditory temporal processing ability of this group rather than non-musicians group. This might be related to effects of musical training on central auditory processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examines energy consumption of inputs and output used in kiwifruit production, and to find relationship between energy inputs and yield in Mazandaran, Iran. For this purpose, the data were collected from 86 kiwifruit orchards which were selected based on random sampling method. The results indicated that total energy inputs were 30285.62MJha−1. About 47% of this was generated by total fertilizer including farmyard manure, 28% from diesel fuel and machinery. About 70% of the total energy inputs used in kiwifruit production was indirect while only about 30% was direct. Econometric estimation results revealed that energy inputs of human labour, water for irrigation, total fertilizer and machinery contributed significantly to the yield. The impact of human labour energy (0.17) was found the highest among the other inputs in kiwifruit production. The results also showed that direct, indirect and renewable and non-renewable, energy forms had a positive impact on output level. Cost analysis showed that total cost of kiwifruit production was obtained as 6063.81$ha−1. The productivity (4.05kg$−1) was obtained by dividing kiwifruit yield by total production cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper studies the energy balance between the input and the output per unit area for greenhouse cucumber production. For this purpose, the data on 43 cucumber production greenhouses in the Tehran province, Iran, were collected and analyzed. The results indicated that a total energy input of 148836.76MJha−1 was consumed for cucumber production. Diesel fuel (with 41.94%) and chemical fertilizers (with 19.69%) were amongst the highest energy inputs for cucumber production. The energy productivity was estimated as 0.80kgMJ−1. The ratio of energy output to energy input was approximately 0.64. Results indicate 10.93% and 89.07% of total energy input was in renewable and non-renewable forms, respectively. The regression results revealed that the contribution of energy inputs on crop yield (except for fertilizers and seeds energies) was significant. The human labour energy had the highest impact (0.35) among the other inputs in greenhouse cucumber production. Econometric analysis indicated that the total cost of production for one hectare of cucumber production was around 33425.70$. Accordingly, the benefit–cost ratio was estimated as 2.58. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine energy consumption of input and output used in potato production, and making an economical analysis in Ardabil, Iran. For this purpose, the data were collected from 100 potato farms in Ardabil, Iran. Inquiries were conducted in a face-to-face interviewing November–December 2006 period. Farms were selected based on random sampling method. The results indicated that total energy inputs were 81624.96MJha−1. About 40% of this was generated by chemical fertilizers, 20% from diesel oil and machinery. About 82% of the total energy inputs used in potato production was indirect (seeds, fertilizers, manure, chemicals, machinery) and 18% was direct (human labor, diesel). Mean potato yield was about 28453.61kgha−1, it obtained under normal conditions on irrigated farming, and taking into account the energy value of the seed, the net energy and energy productivity value was estimated to be 20808.03MJha−1 and 0.35, respectively, and the ratio of energy outputs to energy inputs was found to be 1.25. This indicated an intensive use of inputs in potato production not accompanied by increase in the final product. Cost analysis revealed that total cost of production for one hectare of potato production was 3267.17$. Benefit–cost ratio was calculated as 1.88. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on the increase of methanol poisoning outbreaks in Iran which started in March 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics covered include the spread of fake news about the efficacy of various substances for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19, which includes alcohol, the factors attributed to the methanol poisoning and the prohibition of the production, distribution and drinking of alcoholic beverages in the country.

In the original publication of the article, the name of the seventh author is incorrectly published as "Fazzel Amiri". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the post-revolutionary exiles people of political leaders in Iran, which culminated in the establishment of the Islamic Republic in1978-1979. Approximately two million people have been exiled wherein a sizeable number of them were so-called children of the revolution. The Council of National Resistance, Fedayeen-e-Khalq and Tudeh Party and monarchists were among major groups included at the exile. The revolutionary transition and post-revolutionary diaspora of Iran were discussed.

The article examines the prevalence of hegemony and resistance in media politics in Iran. The Islamic Republic in Iran appears to be one of the most totalizing, hegemonic revolutionary systems of contemporary history with its apparently ready-made political ideology. Yet closer examination reveals the immense difficulties in ideological socialization and political institutionalization that have occurred inside the Islamic Republic. Specifically, the authors show the considerable ideological work that has occurred in restructuring and reshaping the broadcast media into a more Islamic mold. Yet at the same time, the authors wish to show that this very process has to confront a pre-existing cultural environment--with a particular organizational culture, set of trained personnel, and already formed cultural habits--and thus encounters many contradictions and itself produces many resistances. What such a perspective implies is that there is much more politics, specifically around cultural issues in Iran than the simple vertical power models acknowledge.

Based on the high rates of burn injuries in patients with epilepsy, it is crucial to evaluate the epidemiological factors, etiology, types of burns, and outcome of these certain individuals and to enhance knowledge about the possible risks of epilepsy-related burns by preventive actions and programs. Our retrospective study was carried out from September 2013 to February 2017 in Amir-al Momenin Hospital, a tertiary referral burns and plastic surgery healthcare center. Because of the fact that a number of patients with burns had experienced their trauma at the time of convulsion or in postconvulsion phase, it is necessary to evaluate the outcome, burn patterns, etiology of injury, and related epidemiological factors in order to develop a greater understanding of possible risks of epilepsy-related burns by preventive actions and programs. In our study, 2715 patients who referred to burn centers and hospitalized with a mean age of 26.838 (standard deviation (SD) = 21.186) were enrolled, in which 29 patients were involved in burn accidents due to epilepsy and seizure, resulting in a 1.1% epilepsy incidence in these individuals. In patients with seizure disorder, there was a mean rate of 5.8 (SD = 1.923) cases per year. Eighteen (62.1%) were male, and 11 (37.9%) were female. There were no cases of seizure-induced burn injury in pediatrics (< 15 years) in our study. Among the patients with seizure-induced burns, 11 (out of 1101; 37.9%) were from rural areas, while 18 (out of 1570; 62.1%) were from urban locations. The occurrence of accidents due to seizure was also categorized based on the season, with the highest occurrence during winter (12 out of 683; 41.4%) and lowest during spring (3 out of 659; 10.3%). The mechanism of burn in patients with seizures was also documented, in which 12 (41.4%) were due to liquid, 12 (41.4%) due to fire, 1 (3.4%) due to explosion, and 1 (3.4%) due to other objects. Out of patients with seizure-induced burns, 21 (72.4%) were discharged, 2 released with their own will, 1 was transferred, and 5 (17.2%) died in the course of hospitalization. This study demonstrates that burn injuries by epilepsy are a public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we suggest the execution of a strong national epilepsy preventive actions and programs, as well as proper education for both medical practitioners and patients of the possible dangers as part of an injury control program. • 1.1% of burn incidents were due to epilepsy and seizure. • Among the epilepsy-induced burn injuries, a mortality of 17.2% was observed. • Children are at a lower risk of developing epilepsy-induced burn injuries. • Preventive programs are required to reduce burn injuries in patients with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kopet Dagh is a thick-skinned, tectonically inverted mountain range situated along the Iran-Turkmenistan border. It comprises clastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks ranging in age from Jurassic to Neogene. We determine the provenance of Middle Jurassic deep marine turbiditic sandstones, Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous deltaic-shelf sandstones and Paleocene continental conglomerate by describing sandstone modal framework, heavy minerals, detrital zircon U-Pb ages and in-situ Hf isotopic analyses. This work aims to determine the assemblages of source rocks of the investigated sediments and to reconstruct the tectonic setting of clastic sediment deposition. Modal sandstone framework compositions indicate that a magmatic arc and recycled deformed sediments were the main sources of Middle Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous sandstones and Paleogene conglomerate, respectively. Heavy mineral assemblages including ultra-stable and meta-stable minerals indicate magmatic rocks and recycled sediments as a main source of clastic rocks. Detrital zircon U-Pb ages (2478 measured ages) cluster in six main age groups: The oldest zircon grains in the Kopet Dagh belong to two populations peaking at 1833 Ma (Paleoproterozoic) and 643 Ma (Neoproterozoic). These grains suggest a continental crust provenance within the Central Iranian and Eurasian blocks. Detrital zircon grains of Silurian (437 Ma), Lower Carboniferous (340 Ma), Triassic (233 Ma) and Lower Cretaceous (132 Ma) are the major age population in the Kopet Dagh. Hafnium isotopic compositions in Zircons (175 measurements) indicate their origin: Silurian and Triassic zircons show a magmatic provenance, preferentially related to intracontinental rifting. Hafnium isotopic compositions of Lower Carboniferous and Lower Cretaceous zircons indicate a continental magmatic arc source. Our results indicate that Middle Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous detritus have been supplied from Silurian and Triassic rifting-related magmatic rocks and Lower Carboniferous / Lower Cretaceous continental magmatic arcs. The variety of source rocks is in concordance with rifting and an extensional regime in Kopet Dagh during Middle Jurassic time. Paleocene clastic sediments result from erosion of deformed older sedimentary rocks within the basin. This indicates that the first stage of deformation in Kopet Dagh basin took place in Paleocene time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Persian walnut is one of the most important horticultural crops grown in Iran. In the current study, a walnut germplasm from the six regions of Fars, located in the southwestern part of Iran, was evaluated to determine the variability and to identify promising types. A total of 232 genotypes were evaluated using 30 phenological and pomological characteristics. Considerable genetic variation in the measured traits was found in native trees which were of seedling origin. Variability found in nut weight was between 8.00 and 23.00 g, in kernel weight between 4.00 and 14.00 g, in shell thickness between 0.10 and 3.00 mm, and in kernel percentage between 40.00 and 72.22 %. Also, bud breaking, flowering, and nut maturity times showed wide variation among genotypes. Results from simple correlation analysis showed significant positive and negative correlations for certain important characteristics. Nut dimensions and weight were in significant positive correlation with kernel weight. The kernel percentage was in positive correlation with kernel weight, kernel filled, and kernel plumpness and in negative correlation with shell thickness. Cluster and principal component analyses showed a considerable diversity in the studied germplasm. The results indicated that most of genotypes were suitable in terms of consistent leafing date, lateral bearing, kernel weight, kernel percentage, and kernel color which can be singled out for cultivation. Furthermore, they could be useful as a parent to be crossed to generate appropriate populations or improve cultivars. These data collectively demonstrated large phenotypic diversity among the selected genotypes that can be considered as a valuable gene pool for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burn wounds rank among the most serious healthcare issues. Many studies reported the effectiveness of natural products in the wound-healing process. The present study compared the effects of a standardized herbal formulation derived from Boswellia carteri (B. carteri) and silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream 1% on the healing of burn wounds. Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted at Shiraz Burn Hospital (Shiraz, Iran) between July 2012 to August 2013. A sterilized formulation comprising B. carteri 40% was prepared. 54 second-degree burn patients of both sexes with age ranges of 20 to 60 were invited to participate in this double-blind, randomized clinical trial. They were randomly divided into two groups and given either the Boswellia formulation or SSD cream. The healing index was determined based on the wound area assessment using the planimetry technique. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the primary outcome, which was the amount of time until complete healing. Results: The trial was completed by 17 patients from the SSD group and 15 patients from the Boswellia group. During the study period, both groups showed a progressive healing trend. The mean (95% CI) healing time in the SSD group was 10.94 (9.03-12.85) days and 10.73 (9.23-12.23) days in the Boswellia group (P=0.71), indicating no significant difference. On the 17th day, the healing index of all patients in the Boswellia group reached 1. Conclusion: Boswellia topical formulation had a burn wound healing effect comparable to that of the standard SSD 1% treatment. Based on the findings of this study, the likelihood of contact dermatitis with Boswellia should be taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine energy use efficiency in greenhouse cucumber production using a non-parametric production function. The method used to quantify energy use efficiency or, more specifically, excess input energy used, is data envelopment analysis (DEA). DEA creates a ‘‘best practice’’ production frontier based on the growers that produce their level of cucumber yield with the least amount of input energy. These greenhouses then serve as benchmarks against which the energy use inefficiency of all other growers can be measured. The data used in this study was obtained through a face-to-face questionnaire method in the surveyed region – Yazd province of Iran. The total energy input and energy output were calculated to be 1168023 and 124663MJha−1, respectively. According to this information, the energy productivity was 0.14kgMJ−1, and net energy value was estimated to be –1043360MJha−1 indicating energy has been lost in greenhouse cucumber production. Basic DEA models (CCR and BCC) were used to measure the technical efficiency of the growers based on seven energy inputs human labor, diesel fuel, FYM, fertilizers, chemicals, water for irrigation and electricity, and a single output included yield of cucumber (kgha−1). The CCR and BCC models indicated 10 and 25growers were efficient, respectively. The average values of overall technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency of growers were found to be 0.8235, 0.9273 and 0.8880, respectively. The results also revealed that about 21% of the total input resources could be saved if the growers follow the input package recommended by the DEA. The maximum contribution to the total energy savings is 53% from diesel fuel, followed by electricity (27%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study a non-parametric method of data envelopment analysis (DEA) was applied to analyze the efficiency of farmers, discriminate efficient farmers from inefficient ones and to identify wasteful uses of energy in order to optimize the energy inputs for apple production in Tehran province, Iran. From this study the following results were obtained: from the total of 56 farmers, considered for the analysis, 34% and 54% were found to be technically and pure technically efficient, respectively. The technical, pure technical and scale efficiency scores of farmers were 0.7857, 0.8982 and 0.8666, respectively. Optimum energy requirement was found to be 37993.15MJha−1; indicating that 11.29% of total energy input could be saved if the recommendations of this study are followed. From total energy saving, the contribution of electrical energy was the highest; it followed by chemicals energy inputs; implying that there was a great scope for saving energy inputs by improving the use pattern of these inputs. The results of economical analysis showed that the total costs of production could decreased from 8227.70 to 7570.01 $ha−1; also the benefit to cost ratio and productivity improved from 1.24 to 1.34 and 2.52 to 2.74, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the energy balance between the energy inputs and yield for apple production in Tehran, Iran. For this purpose the data were collected from 56 apple orchards. The following results were obtained from this study: The total energy input of 42819.25MJha−1 was required for apple production. The share of diesel fuel by 21.88% of the total energy inputs was the highest energy input. This was followed by farmyard manure (17.66%) and electricity (13.09%), respectively. The energy use efficiency, energy productivity, Specific energy, and net energy were found as 1.16, 0.49kgMJ−1, 2.06MJkg−1 and 7038.18MJha−1, respectively. According to the research results, the contribution of direct energy was higher than that of indirect energy; also the share of non-renewable energy was more than that of renewable energy. The results of econometric model estimation revealed that the impact of farmyard manure, water for irrigation, electricity, chemical fertilizer and human labour energy inputs were significantly positive on yield. The results of sensitivity analysis of the energy inputs showed that the MPP value of water for irrigation was the highest, followed by human labour and chemicals energy inputs, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine the energy consumption and evaluation of inputs sensitivity for barley production in Hamedan Province, Iran. The sensitivity of energy inputs was estimated using the marginal physical productivity (MPP) method and partial regression coefficients on barley yield. The results revealed that total energy input for barley production was ∼25,027MJha−1; the non-renewable energy shared about 66% while the renewable energy did 34%. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and net energy were 2.86, 0.19kgMJ−1, and ∼46,498MJha−1, respectively. Econometric model evaluation showed that machinery energy was the most significant input which affects the output level. Sensitivity analysis indicates that with an additional use of 1MJof each of the human labour, machinery and electricity energy would lead to an increase in yield by 7.37, 1.66 and 0.33kg, respectively. Also, the MPP of biocides energy was calculated to be −1.97 implying that the use of biocides energy is in excess for barley production, causing an environmental risk problem in the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Groundwater aquifers are considered the second most abundant water supply for drinking water all over the world. In Iran, ground waters are commonly employed for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial purposes. Heavy metals (HMs) pose human concerns about the groundwater contamination; these pollutants are recognized to be capable of bio-accumulation, long persistence in the natural environment, and toxic effects. In the present research, the content of HMs: Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) were detected in 89 water samples collected in 2018 by underground water supplies (active wells) of Saravan city. Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Monte Carlo Simulation approach with 10,000 repetitions were applied to discover the human non-carcinogenic impacts of HMs in four groups of ages (adults, teenagers, children, and infants) of consumers. The concentrations of Cr, Pb, and Cd were in the range of 0.49–20, 0.1 to 58.34, and 0.11–12.8 μg/L, respectively. The mean HQ calculated due to exposure to Pb (0.0018–0.0023), Cr (0.0112–0.0186), and Cd (0.0370–0.0615) were lower than one. The findings of sensitivity analysis revealed that HMs concentration had the most contribution effect on human non-carcinogenic risk analysis in four different exposed populations. This study could assist researchers to perform more comprehensive studies with more samples. Therefore, further research is required for decision-makers to plan proper measurements properly. • HRA procedure was conducted to evaluate the health effects of different population exposed to three HMs. • Pb HQ for population groups were in the order of infant > children > teenager > adult. • The most influential parameters in the risk of non-carcinogenicity were in the order ofconcentration > ingestion rate > body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper studies the energy balance between the input and the output per unit area for garlic in Hamedan province of Iran. In this study, data were collected by administering a questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. Results showed that the highest share of energy consumption belongs to chemical fertilizers (41.7%) followed by diesel (13.94%). The results indicated that a total energy input of 40307.89 MJ ha−1 was consumed for garlic production. The energy productivity and net energy value were estimated as 0.416 kg MJ−1 and −13477.82 MJ ha−1, respectively. The ratio of energy outputs to energy inputs was approximately 0.66. Results indicated that direct, indirect, renewable and non-renewable energies were (28.14%), (71.85%), (36.73%) and (63.26%), respectively. Highest shares of expenses were found to be 45% and 19% for human labor and hired machineries, respectively. Cost analysis revealed that total cost of production for 1 ha garlic production was around 6969.11$. Accordingly, the benefit-cost ratio was estimated as 1.36. Using Cobb-Douglas model, energy function was estimated with the coefficient of determination, R 2 of (80%), and expenses function was estimated with coefficient of determination, R 2 of (83%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study energy use pattern for canola production in Golestan province of Iran was studied and the degrees of technical and scale efficiency of producers were analyzed using a non-parametric data envelopment analysis technique. The study also helped to identify the wasteful uses of energy by inefficient farmers and to suggest reasonable savings in energy uses from different inputs. Further, the effect of optimization of energy on energy ratio and energy productivity was investigated. Data used in this study were obtained from 130 randomly selected canola farms from Golestan, the most important center of canola production in Iran. The inputs were human labor, diesel, machinery, fertilizers, chemicals, water for irrigation, seeds and electrical energies; while the yield value of canola was considered as output. The results revealed that, the total energy of 17,786MJha−1 was consumed for canola production; about 15% of farmers were found to be technically efficient and the mean efficiency of farmers was found to be 0.74 and 0.88 under constant and variable returns to scale assumptions, respectively. The results also suggested that, on average, a potential 9.5% (1696MJha−1) reduction in total energy input could be achieved provided that all farmers operated efficiently. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to explore the effectiveness of group poetry intervention on signs of depression, anxiety and stress in female undergraduate students in Iran. A sample of 29 participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention (n =14) or a no intervention group (n =15). The intervention group took part in seven sessions of group poetry therapy of 90–120min duration each while the no intervention group was put on a waiting list. All participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) before the intervention and after second, fifth and the last session. Results showed that the use of poetry as an intervention technique plays a significant role in reducing signs of depression, anxiety and reported stress. This confirms previous research. Results are discussed in terms of the viability of poetry as a possible therapeutic method in alleviating depressive and anxiety related disorders considering some important characteristics of the Iranian culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper considers exposure to the concentration of fluoride in drinking water resources of Showt city in West Azerbaijan Province in, Iran, and its related potential health risk assessment issues to the resident populations. For this purpose, 88 drinking water samples were analyzed in 2016 by using the spectrophotometric method. Non-carcinogenic health risks due to F exposure through consumption of drinking water were assessed using the US EPA method. In addition, the associated zoning maps of the obtained results were presented using a geographic information system (GIS). The results indicated that fluoride concentration in drinking water ranged from 0.0 to 5.5 mg L−1 of the study area. Based on this research, 36.36% of the samples had a fluoride level higher than the permissible level, 13.63% had less than the permissible limit, and 50% of the samples had a level within the optimum limit of 0.5–1.5 mg L−1. The Hazard Quotient index (HQ) for children, teenager and adults had health hazards (HQ > 1) in 54.55%, 31.82%, and 22.73% of samples, respectively. Groundwater resources having a risk of more than one were located in the villages of Khilajajam, Kolos, and Shorboulagh. So, in these study areas, there are potential risks of dental and skeletal fluorosis. • Fluorosis is a considerable health problem worldwide. • High concentrations fluoride above 3 mg l−1 may cause dental and skeletal fluorosis. • HQ indicated health risk assessment in relation to F- concentration for children and adults were significant. • The fluoride contamination must be reduced in this study area to decrease endemic fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In northeast Iran, the suture zone of the Paleotethys is situated between the East Alborz Mountains to its south and the Kopet Dagh Mountains to its north. Both mountain belts represent large-scale oroclines, potentially resulting from the indentation of the quasi-rigid South Caspian Basin. The oroclinal shape of the Alborz Mountains has been associated with vertical-axis rotation based on paleomagnetic data. However, no evidence for rotation has been found in the northeastern Kopet Dagh. A plausible scenario is that most of the rotation in the Kopet Dagh has been absorbed along its western part. Here, we present results of vertical-axis rotation and anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility (AMS) for sites located in the West Kopet Dagh. AMS data range from sedimentary to tectonic fabrics depending on the position with respect to local thrusts. Magnetic vectors do not show significant vertical-axis rotation, implying that no significant rotation took place since Cretaceous times in the western Kopet Dagh. A preliminary comparison of these results with previous data from East Kopet Dagh favours complex local folding kinematics for most of the Kopet Dagh rather than significant vertical-axis rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burn-by flame, flush, scald, electrical, and chemical types-accounts for 5%-12% of trauma injuries worldwide. In Iranian studies, females were the main victims of domestic burns with higher mortality and frequencies. This retrospective study evaluates the epidemiology and etiology of burn injuries in females aged 25-64 years between October 2007 and May 2022 in southern Iran. Demographics and burn etiology information were collected by questionnaires at admission. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between variables and burn mortality. Pearson's Chi-Square and One-way ANOVA tests were utilized to compare different burn etiologies. Of 3212 females with burn injuries, 1499 (46.6%) were included with a mean age of 38.5 ± 10.8 years. Flame (59.7%) and flush (28.9%) were significantly the most common injuries mechanism. Burn was most common in rural areas (53.9%) and indoor settings (62.1%) (P-value < .001). 77.9% of the population were under-diploma (P-value < .001), and 3.5% were divorced with higher burn-suicide attempts. The mean Total Body Surface Area (TBSA%) was 41.1 ± 28.3%, and the mean Length of Stay (LOS) was 14.5 ± 13.2 days with a 39.1% mortality rate. With univariate and multivariate analysis, TBSA%, indoor places, flame, flush, and urban living were risk factors for burn mortality. Briefly, flame in indoor settings is the most common type of burn injury affecting adult females with lower educational levels living in rural areas. Such epidemiological studies of burns in adult females may be helpful for health policymakers to develop burn prevention programs., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Burn Association. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The contamination of water due to heavy metals (HMs) is a big concern for humankind; particularly in developing countries. This research is a systematic review, conducted by searching google scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Springer, and Scopus databases for related published papers from 2010 to July 2021, resulting in including 40 articles. Among the analyzed HMs in the presented review, the average content of Cr, Pb, Ba, Al, As, Zn, and Cd exceeded the permissible limits suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and 1,053 Iranian standards. Also, the rank order of Hazard Quotient (HQ) of HMs was defined as Cd>As>Cr>Pb>Li for children which means Cd has the highest non-carcinogenic risk and Li has the least. This verifies to the current order As>Cr>Pb>Fe=Zn=Cu>Cd for adults. The corresponded values of HQ and Hazard Index (HI) in most cities and villages were investigated and the results indicated a lower than 1 value, which means consumers are not at non-carcinogenic risk (HQ). Carcinogenic risk (CR) of As in the adult and children consumers in most of the samples (58.82% of samples for both groups) were investigated too, and it was more than>1.00E-04 value, which determines that consumers are at significant CR., (© 2022 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Introduction: International trade of tires has been responsible for the introduction of invasive Aedes species into many countries. The present study aimed to determine the sources and volume of such trading in Iran and to establish and map points of entry for entomological surveillance., Method: A list of tire importers, type and number of tires and source of their shipment was compiled, and the map of the main location(s) of their depot in the country was produced from 2017 to 2018. Contamination of imported tires with mosquito eggs or larvae was also determined. The samples from all parts of the warehouse were taken randomly from 4 to 20 tires every 15 days. In tires with a trace of water inside, the existence of the egg and larva of Aedes mosquitoes was investigated by sticking the glue band to the hot spot of left water inside the unpacked tires., Results: Approximately one-third of the annual tire requirements of Iran were imported from 15 countries, most of which were endemic to Aedes aegypti and or Ae. albopictus. It is obligatory to import only wrapped tires. About 10% of total country consumption is imported through informal markets and smuggled. However, the unofficially imported tires are usually not wrapped. The majority of tire imports were made through the southern ports of the country. The main sites for depots of imported tires were located in four Iranian provinces, namely Tehran, Isfahan, Fars, and Sistan and Baluchestan. The latter is extremely important given its border with Pakistan. Depot locations were mostly unstructured, and tires were kept in the open air. All these depot locations were at the edge of towns and residential areas. Priority areas for routine entomological surveillance were established. Such as the previous studies, surveillance of imported tires for the presence of Aedes eggs or larvae was negative in this study., Discussion: Mapping the entry points of imported tires and their origin is crucial to determine and prioritize sites for entomological surveillance of invasive mosquito species. Strengthening collaboration with customs authorities and the association of tire importers is imperative in this effort. The development of national rules and regulations for tire import is necessary to minimize the danger of the introduction of invasive vector species into the country., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) is a member of the Retroviridae family causing a progressive lifelong infection in cattle and buffaloes., Objective: Despite the worldwide distribution of the virus, the studies concerning the prevalence of BIV in buffalo populations have not been conducted in Iran as yet., Methods: The BIV proviral DNA was surveyed in 120 whole blood samples of water buffaloes in southwestern Iran. Nested PCR was employed to amplify a 298-bp fragment of the pol gene. The BIV Pol sequence was detected in 9.1% of the samples. Among PCR-positive samples, two amplified fragments were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing., Results and Conclusions: The studied sequences were completely identical to each other and had more than 98%-99% nucleotide homology to R-29 and HXB3 sequences previously deposited in GenBank. Some point mutations that caused coding substitutions were observed in the studied isolates, compared to other strains. A phylogenetic tree was generated based on the BIV Pol nucleotide sequences reported from other countries. All the BIV strains originated from a unique main cluster and then separated from each other over time. This is the first report on the molecular detection of BIV infections in water buffalo populations in Iran. The wide distribution of BIV in different countries including Iran indicates the importance of the infection as it relates to animal health. Although buffaloes show greater resistance to diseases, they should be considered a health risk to cattle. Furthermore, BIV has negative effects on buffalo milk production and can predispose them to secondary infections. Hence, the findings of this study can advance our understanding of the occurrence of BIV infection in Iran, which can play an important role in the distribution of the disease worldwide., (© 2022 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: Lead Poisoning is a major health problem in Iran. We aimed to compare efficacy of a standard regimen (Succimer) with that of a low-priced combination of D-penicillamine and Garlic in outpatients with lead poisoning., Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, year-long clinical files of outpatients with lead poisoning in two referral toxicology clinics in Mashhad, Iran were reviewed. A total of 79 patients (all men), received either Succimer or a combination of D-penicillamen plus garlic (DPN + Gar), for 19 and 30 days, respectively. Clinical and laboratory data, including blood lead level (BLL), were analyzed and treatment expanses were compared between the two regimens., Results: Of 79 male patients, 42 were treated by DPN + Gar and 37 received Succimer. Mean BLL of DPN + Gar group before treatment (965.73 ± 62.54 µg/L) was higher than that of the Succimer group (827.59 ± 24.41) (p < 0.001). After treatment, BLL in both groups significantly reduced to 365.52 ± 27.61 µg/L and 337.44 ± 26.34 µg/L, respectively (p < 0.001). The price of a 19-day treatment with Succimer was approximately 28.6 times higher than a one-month course of treatment with garlic plus DPN. None of the treatments caused serious side effects in the patients., Conclusion: Combination therapy with DPN + Gar is as effective as Succimer in Pb poisoning, while treatment with Succimer is significantly more expensive., (© 2021. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)