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Due to the development of English as an international language and dominance of fever of it, researchers were interested in the influential factors in learning English as a foreign or second language, and their relationship with English learning, such as; gender, different kinds of identity, religion, and etc. However, there are few studies on the relationship between sociocultural identity and EFL learning. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Iranian learners' sociocultural identity and their EFL learning. In this correlational study, 360 intermediate and advanced English students from four institutes in Zanjan Province, Iran, were selected based on the cluster sampling method. The Oxford Quick Placement Test was used to check the EFL learning proficiency and make homogeneous groups. Aspects of Identity Questionnaire Cheek (2013) was utilized to check the level of learners' sociocultural identity. The normality of data was checked based on Skewness and Kurtosis normal test, therefore, Pearson Correlation Coefficient was applied in this study. The result has indicated that there was a negative significant (-678) relationship between learners' sociocultural identity and their EFL learning. This finding will be beneficial for syllabus designers, language learners, their parents, and language teachers.

Background: The number of children born into a family has a significant impact on a mother's reproductive system's physiological health and overall well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effective factors in the number of living children (NLC) among married women in Semnan, Iran, with a particular focus on social, cultural, and economic influences. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the reproductive histories of 600 married women aged 15 to 49 years from Semnan, Iran. Sample size calculations were based on the principal variable, the expected number of children, using PASS software. The women were selected through a multistage random sampling method from health center lists in 2018 (April-October). The data were collected through interview questionnaires and analyzed using the Quasi-Poisson model. Results: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age at first marriage for mothers (MAM) and fathers was estimated to be 21.02 (4.80) and 25.10 (4.70) years, respectively. Additionally, the mean (SD) values for the number of expected children (NCEX), living children, and the number of pregnancies were 2.19 (0.96), 1.85 (0.81), and 2.15 (1.03), respectively. Among the variables of interest, only NCEX, the number of pregnancies (with a positive effect), MAM, father's education, multiple births, and the desire to have children (with a negative effect) significantly influenced NLC. Conclusions: This study recommends implementing an educational program to promote an optimal and ideal family size to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. The age of women at marriage is a significant factor, as an increase in women's age leads to shorter pregnancy intervals, exposing women to complications, such as premature birth, perinatal death, and intrauterine growth restriction. Policymakers should, therefore, encourage early marriages by fostering a culture and providing supportive facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article adopts an institutional perspective to elucidate Iranian university autonomy. First, a historical analysis traces statist dominance over academia in Iran by examining archival sources, documents, and scholarly works. Second, a content analysis of expert panels, interviews, and literature categorizes higher education's problems to delineate key issues. Third, a meta-analysis examines the implications for institutional autonomy and academic freedom. Fourth, governmental strategy regarding university autonomy is scrutinized by analyzing policies, laws, and statements. Finally, a reconciliatory strategy is proposed embracing accountability while expanding autonomy. Tracing critical junctures, the analysis outlines the divergence of modern universities from traditional seminaries through state establishment based on Western models, engendering governance effects. The 1851 Dar ol-Fonun constituted an initial modernizing response. The 1934 genesis of Tehran University enacted a seminal rupture with old seminaries. The 1980 Cultural Revolution expanded governmental control to reshape higher education. Consequently, extensive interventions overlaid with centralized bureaucracy have dominated academia. Resultant autonomy constraints stem from structural-administrative deficiencies, financial dependence, attenuated university-society connections, and pervasive formalism. By illuminating the historical shaping forces, this perspective identifies avenues for developing accountability-anchored autonomy through contextualized strategy, providing insights into policy pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2019, a globally sustainable dietary pattern that primarily emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods was proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission. However, there is limited evidence regarding the association of this diet with coronary events. Objectives: To determine the association between the EAT-Lancet Reference Diet (ELD) and premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) risk and its severity. Methods: This multi-center, case-control study was conducted within the framework of the Iran premature coronary artery disease (I-PAD). A total of 3185 participants aged under 70 years in women and 60 years in men were included. Cases were those whose coronary angiography showed stenosis ≥ 75% in at least one vessel or ≥ 50% in the left main artery (n = 2033), while the controls had normal angiography results (n = 1152). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the association between ELD and presence of PCAD. Results: Compared with individuals in the first quartile, those in the highest quartile of ELD (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.39; P for trend < 0.001) and ELD calculated with minimum intake (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.52; P < 0.001) had lower risk of PCAD. Individuals in the highest quartile of adherence to the ELD and ELD with minimum intake had 78% and 72% lower risk of having severe PCAD compared with those in the lowest quartile, respectively. Conclusion: An inverse association was observed between adherence to the ELD and PCAD risk and its severity. Large-scale prospective cohort studies are required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of solution-based counseling to increase students' self-conception. Method of research was semi-experimental with pretest and posttest design with a control group. The study sample consisted of all high school students in Dashtestan city, Bushkan district for which 30 subjects were randomly selected and were replaced in the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 30 sessions of solution-based group counseling. To collect data, the questionnaire of self-perception was used. Data were analyzed by covariance test. The results showed that solution-based group counseling increased students' self-perception and its components such as self-esteem and self-admission.

The Impact of using Supplementary books alongside the national academic text book has received great attention of the curriculum and material developers. Since the beginning of language studies, Second & Foreign Language Acquisition (SLA & FLA) researchers have been searching for effective ways of improving learners' language skills. This study aimed at investigating the effects of using supplementary text books (Gaj and Khate Sefid) on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' Reading skill. Data from this study demonstrate a significant role of using two kinds of books Gaj and Khate Sefid in improving the reading skill of participants in the experimental groups. The findings of this study may help the learners to enhance their independent English language learning and improve their reading comprehension and the overall learning of English by using Supplementary books.

Learning a foreign language requires students to acquire both grammatical knowledge and socio-pragmatic rules of a language. Pragmatic competence as one of the most difficult aspects of language provides several challenges to L2 learners in the process of learning a foreign language. To overcome this problem, EFL teachers should find the most effective way of teaching pragmatic knowledge to their students. Accordingly, the present study investigated the effect of explicit teaching of apology speech act, as an aspect of pragmatic competence, on the Iranian EFL learners' appropriate use of the mentioned speech act. In so doing, a total of 73 EFL students at intermediate and advanced levels participated in a pre-posttest design research with experimental and control group. Data were collected using a Discourse Completion Test (DCT). The selection of apologetic situations in DCT was based on two variables of social status and social distance. The results revealed that explicit instruction was a facilitative tool that helped students use the proper apology strategies in different situations. Moreover, it was found that L2 proficiency had a significant influence on overall appropriateness of speech act production.

This study compared the relationship between the use of Persian vs. English in teaching English grammar to Iranian students and their achievement in learning English grammar. The participants of this study include 50 female students from a junior high school in Mehran. The researcher randomly selected 2 groups, one group was taught through the medium of Persian, while the other group was taught the same material through the medium of English. The materials were based on the content of the 3 lessons of third grade English text-book. Then a 30-item achievement test (pre-test) was administered to two groups to be getting insured of their homogeneity. The instruction began in two groups separately and the treatment lasted for 5 weeks. After the end of the instruction, the test was administered to two groups as post-test again. The data analysis showed that two languages (Persian & English) lead to positive learning outcomes in the post-test, although the instruction through Persian caused better results than the instruction through the English.

The purpose of this study was to examine Iranian EFL teachers' attitudes towards lesson plan based on their gender. The research is a quantitative study in which the data is obtained to get a great understanding on the relationship between lesson plan of Iranian English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers and teachers' gender. The population included 93 teachers in Eyvan and Ilam, Iran high schools and institutes. Participants in this study answered a Modified Questionnaire, adopted from Ramaila et al (2014). Independent sample t-test was computed to determine the difference between teachers' attitudes towards lesson plan and their gender. Through statistically analysis it was found that, the female teachers were more interested in use of lesson plan than the male teachers. This paper recommends that more seminars workshops and in-service courses be organized for all science teachers to help train and boost their attitudes on the significance of lesson plans in teaching/learning of English in schools.

The current study extracted, first, 17 general patterns of intonation. Additionally, the present study investigated the roles that might be played by the gender of Ilami EFL teachers in observing the 17 patterns of intonation. Finally, the study determined if intonation as a suprasegmental feature of speech is affected by the gender of Ilami EFL teachers. The population of the study encompassed all male and female EFL teachers in Ilam city from which 40 teachers (20 males and 20 females) were surveyed on interviews for their observing of 17 general patterns of intonation. For inferential statistics, Chi-Square tests were conducted to analyze the data. Statistical analysis was run using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Accordingly, male teachers outperformed female teachers on observing the rules of intonation.

Publication of research articles (RAs) in English seems a challenging task for native and non-native writers. The acquisition of rhetorical structure and function grammar can be very helpful for academicians to achieve the wanted goal which is, of course, the publication of their RAs. This study aims to investigate the current level of familiarity to academic rhetoric within a systematic functional grammar among the Iranian ESP [English for Specific Purposes] teachers and ESP course learners. The participants of the study consist of 10 ESP teachers and 85 learners at M.A. and PhD level at Ilam State University and Islamic Azad University of Ilam. Data collected through self-report questionnaires with 22 items. The findings of this study revealed that the familiarity of ESP teachers with structures is too high and learners are high.

This article attempts to address one of the most important challenges faced during the history of Iran, namely Afghans' invasion to Isfahan and the abrupt fall of the Safavid dynasty, by collecting new data and relying on the regional study method. The current paper studies the role of a group of Sunnat wal Jamaat immigrants who migrated to the central places of Iran, namely the Sunnat wal jamaat who went from Mosul to the city of Dargazin in the province of Hamedan on behalf of Shah Abbas I. The present study researchers found that although Shah Abbas's accomplishment in moving the nomads (Eilat) to different areas was a very intelligent consideration, this was considered a secure work only during the days of his authoritative dynasty, and after him, during the days of his successors with the shrinking of the Safavid government, it was changed to a major problem for the government. Moreover, unsatisfied Sunnat wal Jamaat either joined the Ottomans or the other opponents of the Safavid dynasty when the Afghans invaded Iran and played a role as leading troops in the conquest of the Iranian territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study is investigating the effect of instruction based on Multiple intelligence (MI) theory on attitude and learning of General English course among students of Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Branch in the second semester of educational year of 2010-2011. 61 male and female students in two different classes participated in the present study that were assigned to experimental (32 students) and control (29 students) groups based on random cluster sampling. A quasi experimental method of research with a pre- and post test was used. The experimental group was taught according to the theory of MI and the control group was instructed based on the traditional method of teaching General English in eight weeks time. In order to determine the effect of MI-based instruction compared with traditional method, a researcher constructed test including 30 items were utilized. In order to assess the attitude of the learners toward English, a 15 items scale of attitude toward English Language was also employed. For analyzing data we used ANCOVA and independent sample t-test. The results of the study indicated that there was a significant difference between improving in General English course between experimental and control groups. In other words, students taught based on MI theory exceeded the traditionally instructed students both in general and in each sub-skill of learning English (vocabulary, reading comprehension, and structure). The results also indicated that attitude of students towards learning English in experimental group improved significantly.

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between academic identity status, goal orientations and academic achievement. 301 first year high school students completed the Academic Identity Measure and Goal Orientation Questionnaire. The average of 10 exam scores in the final semester was used as an index of academic achievement. Results showed that academic identity status and goal orientations are related to academic achievement. Diffuse academic identity, mastery-approach goal orientation, and foreclosed academic identity explained the greatest amount of variance in academic achievement. Boys were more likely than girls to have identity diffuse, and mastery-avoidance goal, and girls have higher academic achievement scores than boys. In general, academic identity status and goal orientations accounted for variance on academic achievement.

We analyzed 872 local earthquakes recorded by 18 seismic stations to estimate P-, S-, and coda-wave quality factors for NW Iran, an active seismic and geothermal region in the central part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogeny in western Asia. The calculated frequency-dependent attenuation relations are as follows: Qp = 38 ± 2 f1.00±0.07, Qs = 79 ± 2 f0.90±0.17, and Qc = 64 ± 1 f0.86±0.18 (for a lapse time window length of 50 s). The depth variations of Qc were investigated by estimating Qc at five lapse time windows ranging from 30 to 70 s. The Analysis of Qc in sub-regions surrounding Sahand volcano, Sabalan volcano, and Talesh Mountains indicates that Qc is increasing with the increase of the lapse times. However, the Qc values estimated in the areas surrounding the volcanoes are generally lower than those of the Talesh Mountains, confirming a lithospheric contrast between the warm and weak lithosphere of NW Iran and the more rigid South Caspian Basin lithosphere located beneath the Talesh Mountains. The average Qs/Qp ratio in NW Iran is > 1.6 at all frequencies, likely due to a high degree of heterogeneities and thermal activities in the crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were found to have the higher intestinal expression of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme2 (ACE2) that could consequently increase susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Objective: This study reports the outcomes of COVID-19 infection in a large cohort of IBD patients. We compare levels of serum ACE and IFN-α between COVID19 patients with and without IBD. We performed a cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study. Methods: We enrolled patients with IBD screened for SARS-COV-2 in six medical centres in Iran from June to November 2020. The blood samples were drawn to measure COVID-19 IgM and IgG, and serum levels of sACE2, sACE1, and interferon-α, regardless of suspicious symptoms have done the molecular test. Results: A total of 534 IBD patients were included in the study. Of these, 109 (20.0%) cases had detectable IgG and IgM against SARS-CoV-2. sACE2 levels were higher in IBD patients than controls, whereas ACE1and IFN-α levels were similar among groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethical decision-making in end-of-life care is one of the most challenging aspects of healthcare: providing ethical care to the society is one of the most important responsibilities of healthcare professionals. In order to assess nurses' ethical decision-making in end-of-life care, researchers need a specialized and comprehensive instrument which is sufficiently valid and reliable. The present study was conducted to translate and test the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Nurses' Ethical Decision-Making in End-of-Life Care Scale (NEDM-EOLCS). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, multi-centric study with a methodological design The participants were selected via convenience sampling from five hospitals located in Iran. In total, 1320 nurses (660 for exploratory factor analysis and 660 for confirmatory factor analysis) participated in the study. The original NEDM-EOLCS was translated into Persian and subsequently the psychometric properties of the scale were assessed according to COSMIN criteria. Results: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed the factor loading of the 55 items to be between 0.62 and 0.88, all of which were significant. Also, exploratory factor analysis showed that 3 factors (perceived professional accountability, moral reasoning/moral agency and moral practice) explained 74.51% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results verified the good fit of the data (a chi-square of 21.74, df = 7, P = 0.001) RMSEA = 0.01, CFI = 0.96, NFI = 0.95, and TLI = 0.97). The reliability of the scale was measured in terms of its internal consistency and the Cronbach's alpha of the whole instrument was found to be 0.98. Conclusion: The Persian version of NEDM-EOLCS for nurses is sufficiently valid and reliable. Thus, this instrument can be used to measure nurses' ethical decision-making in end-of-life care and identify the most effective strategies, e.g. educational interventions, to improve ethical decision-making skills in end-of-life care in these healthcare professionals as necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equity in access to health resources is a fundamental goal of health systems worldwide. Objectives: This study aims to assess the distribution of essential health resources necessary for healthcare provision in Bushehr Province. Methods: This cross-sectional study spans ten years and utilizes several widely recognized indices in health resource distribution equity and equality, including the Gini Coefficient, Concentration Index, Horizontal Inequity, Robin Hood Index, Theil Index, Atkinson Index, and Quantile Ratio. These indices were calculated based on both the population level and the proposed resource allocation model (PRAM) using Excel Software 2018 and Stata version 18. Results: The findings indicate a degree of inequality in the distribution of all health resources examined, with special beds exhibiting much higher levels of inequality than others. The sensitivity of the studied indices varied across the distributed resources. Moreover, the trend of inequality generally decreased for all examined resources. The PRAM results suggest that adopting a different approach to resource distribution can significantly reduce inequality levels. Conclusions: Despite a downward trend in the inequality of health resource distribution, significant disparities persist. Altering the resource distribution system from the conventional geographical division could aid in achieving equity and equality in healthcare. Such changes could also reduce the costs associated with the health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: There is a need for studies to find the best method for inhibiting the pituitary gland in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing triptorelin 1% and buserelin in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection/ embryo transfer (ICSI/ET). Materials & Methods: The present study was a randomized single-blind clinical trial to compare the short-acting triptorelin and buserelin in ovarian response. The patients are divided into two groups A and B based on random allocation and 67 people in each group were included in the study. To evaluate the basic level of hormones, the FSH, LH, and estradiol levels were checked. In addition, AMH level on the third day of the cycle, age, body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility (years), frequency of using IVF/ICSI based on each cycle, duration of ovarian stimulation (days), and average dose gonadotropin consumption (the ampoule dose per unit) was recorded. Results: The mean dose of gonadotropin in the group treated with triptorelin (3181.29±710.13) was higher than in the group treated with buserelin (2433.87±936.52) (P-value<0.001). The frequency of positive OHSS in the group treated with buserelin was 14 (22.6%), which was higher than in the group treated with triptorelin 0 (0.0%) (P-value<0.001). Conclusion: In the findings of our study, no significant difference was observed in the progesterone level on the day of trigger injection in the comparison of two agonists, and both agonists were successful in preventing LH surge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Scar tissue formation, as a normal part of wound healing, initiates in the proliferation phase, continues after the remodelling phase, and may cause an unpleasant appearance or disruption in normal functioning. This study investigated the effects of a topical gel on acute wound healing and reducing scars in a rat model. Method: ChitoScar (ChitoTech Company, Iran), a commercial scar-reducing gel based on chitosan, was analysed for antibacterial and antiviral activity through a quantitative suspension test. Its cytotoxic effect was investigated, and then irritation and delayed-type hypersensitivity tests were carried out on rabbits through direct application of the gel. Furthermore, the effect of the chitosan-based gel on wound healing and scar tissue formation was studied in rats with an acute wound in two groups: the treatment group (topical application of the chitosan-based gel); and the control group (without treatment). Histopathological examination was carried out based on the inflammatory cells, collagen fibre, keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Results: Analysis revealed that the chitosan-based gel had no cytotoxicity and caused no erythema, oedema, local or other systemic adverse response. Wound healing occurred earlier in the treatment group, which was a result of a significant increase in re-epithelialisation, angiogenesis, fibroblast population and collagen fibre thickness (p<0.05). In the treatment group, wounds healed completely after 21 days and scars totally disappeared after 28 days, while in the control group, wound healing remained incomplete with distinct scar tissue. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the positive effect of the chitosan-based gel on the duration and quality of the wound healing process, as well as minimising the scar tissue formation in this in vivo study. Declaration of interest: All authors are employees of ChitoTech Company, Iran, but have no other conflicts of interest to declare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quality of life for nurses can be significantly impacted by various occupational factors that Influence their working conditions and professional performance. The current study aimed to translate and validate the Persian version of the Nurses' Quality of Life Scale. Material and method: In this cross-sectional research, the Nurses' Quality of Life Scale (NQOLS) was utilized to assess the quality of life among 500 employed nurses in hospitals in the cities of Gonabad and Sabzevar. The translation process of the NQOLS followed the model proposed by Wild et al. The content validity of the Persian version of the scale was evaluated using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR). Structural validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, while test-retest reliability was determined using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 and LISREL version 8.8 software. Results: The exploratory factor analysis of the Persian version of NQOLS revealed six factors that accounted for 62.15% of the total variance. The structural validity of the extracted factors was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and ICC for the entire questionnaire were 0.91 and 0.95, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that the Persian version of the NQOLS exhibits sufficient validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be used as an effective tool for measuring and examining the quality of life among nurses in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quinoa a crop with high nutritional value has the widespread adaptability to different climates and there is an increased demand for this product in the world. Characterized by roots with extensive penetration capabilities and wide, alternate leaves giving rise to diverse inflorescences, quinoa plants exhibit variable heights ranging from 20 to 300 cm. The duration of their growth phase spans 95 to 125 days' contingent upon cultivar selection and prevailing climatic conditions. Materials and methods: In order to reduce chemical fertilizers consumption through using organic fertilizers a two-year study was conducted at the Research Farm of the University of Kurdistan, Iran, during the 2021-2022 growing seasons. In this study the effects of varying levels of irrigation and vermicompost application on soil characteristics and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) yield were investigated. The experiments were arranged as split plots within a randomized complete block design. The main factor consisted of four irrigation levels (50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of quinoa's water requirement), while the sub-factor encompassed four vermicompost application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare). The irrigation method employed was a drip-tape irrigation system with a seven-day interval between irrigations, and water quantities were measured using a volumetric meter on the main pipeline. Results: The results demonstrated that the highest levels of available soil phosphorus (21.83 mg kg-1) and soil ammonium (36.08 mg kg-1) were observed in the treatment receiving 50% of quinoa's water requirement combined with 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost. Additionally, the application of 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost led to the highest concentrations of soil nitrate (14.16 mg kg-1), available potassium (144.62 mg kg-1), and quinoa seed yield (1784.01 kg ha-1)). Over both years, the greatest activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase enzymes was noted in the treatment receiving 125% of quinoa's water requirement in combination with 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost. Vermicompost application was found to enhance yield and ameliorate drought stress by enhancing soil physical and chemical properties and improving soil moisture retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter discusses the issue of alcohol prohibition in Iran and the emergence of black markets for alcoholic beverages. Since the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1978, alcohol consumption, production, and trading have been prohibited and considered crimes. However, despite the prohibition, Iran ranks 9th in terms of alcohol consumption among permanent drinkers. The letter highlights the dangers of the black market, including the lack of regulation and reports of deaths and injuries from methanol poisoning. The authors argue that a coercive approach is not effective and suggest alternative solutions, such as reducing criminalization, focusing on health risks, and considering alcoholism as a disease rather than a criminal offense. The recommendations may also be applicable to other Islamic countries facing similar challenges. [Extracted from the article]

Near the northwestern-southeastern foothills of the Marvdasht plain in Fars province, lie a range of ancient necropoleis which date from the reign of Darius I, the Achaemenid king and until the first century after the Muslim conquest. The well-known necropoleis of Naqsh-e Rostam and Persepolis have the most complex tombs among them. However, there are other burials in this region, although smaller and simpler or even imitative, which have considerable archeological importance, since they provide information for the social and political understanding of their time of creation, often known as the dark ages. The present study aims to introduce and analyze the structural-chronological features of the rock-cut tomb of Khūrigān, one of the recent discoveries near Naqsh-e Rostam. Regarding the architectural and stylistic characteristics of the tomb and its context, as well as considering its archeological landscape and using historical information, the period from the last century of the Achaemenid reign until the beginning of the Sassanid dynasty is considered for the general chronology of this tomb; however, through applying a more detailed perspective, we can attribute the chronology of this tomb to the first half of the 3rd until the 1st century BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the widespread advances in architecture, currently, the Green Smart Building has been recognized as an important practical concept. The Green Smart Building architecture can significantly transform construction in Iran. This paper aims to study the potential of implementing the green smart building concept as an essential component of a sustainable environment from the viewpoints of residents, as building stakeholders. The questionnaire has been used as the main data collection tool in this research. The results of the survey based on a questionnaire with 39 questions were analyzed to study residents' awareness and satisfaction htiw green smart building technologies and the effective factors in home buyers' willingness to pay extra to buy green smart buildings. SPSS software was used to perform the statistical analyses. The findings show that among the benefits of smart green building, the residents consider energy efficiency and subsequently, material and land efficiency to be of importance. Moreover, granting tax reductions to green building home buyers is important as an effective factor in buyers' willingness. This is followed by building labeling, as well as subsidized loans and grants. From the respondent's point of view, feedback and creating public trust, in addition to principles and techniques are more important than leadership and responsibility. Based on the results, providing a clear definition of the concept of green smart building in Iran can contextualize modification of corresponding regulations, thus facilitating achieving the desired status of this topic in architectural design, and improving construction quality and environmental development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Heart failure (HF), as the final stage of cardiovascular disease, is a prevalent cause of mortality, disability, and recurrent hospitalization. Effective treatment of systolic HF is crucial for reducing patient disability and preventing repeated hospital admissions. In this context, we aimed to conduct a comparative study of spironolactone at doses of 25 mg and 50 mg in patients with systolic HF. Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 100 patients with systolic HF. The patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups receiving 25 and 50 mg of spironolactone. Subsequently, changes in ejection fraction, frequency of hospitalization, performance capacity, quality of life, and electrolyte disorders were examined. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, history of cerebrovascular accidents, readmission rate, and EF changes (P>0.05). At the end of the study, the mean scores of performance capacity and quality of life in patients receiving 50 mg of spironolactone were 204.3±28 and 32±3.1, respectively. These values were statistically higher than those reported in patients receiving 25 mg of spironolactone (178.9±30 and 36.7±3.3, respectively) (P<0.001). In patients who received 50 mg of spironolactone, the average levels of potassium and blood urea nitrogen were 0.68±0.08 and 6.1±1.4, respectively. These levels were significantly higher compared to those in patients receiving a 25mg dose, where the levels were 0.39±0.17 and 4.7±2.8, respectively (P<0.05). However, it is important to note that the maximum values observed did not exceed the normal range for these parameters Conclusion: Compared to the 25mg dose, the 50mg dose of spironolactone was observed to enhance both the quality of life and performance capacity in patients with systolic HF. Therefore, it can be prescribed as the initial daily dosage for managing patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Coaching is not necessarily among the world's most demanding jobs; however, this does not mean that anybody can be suitable to take the position without enjoying special skill, ability, knowledge, insight, qualification, and merit. The aim of this research is to identify the factors influential in the selection of the national basketball team coaches. Methods: This research is qualitative in nature and the method used for its conduction is based on a grounded theory with a systematic approach. The participants (n=28) in this study represented basketball experts, who were selected on purposive sampling with whom to reach saturation of data. The instrument for collection of data was the semi-structured interview The open, axial, and selective coding were used to analyze the data. To ensure that this research is discriminating, the researchers used the indices of credibility, transferability, trustworthiness, and confirmability. Results: This research showed 643 initial concepts, 142 secondary concepts, and 20 sub-categories, classified into the causative, contextual, intervening conditions, strategies and consequences. Conclusion: Reflecting on results of this research, it can be inferred that optimal use of workforce resources in the basketball sports, especially using the coaches, will not be possible in our endeavors to meet the goals without observing the exigencies of their selection. Therefore, the officials in charge of selecting national basketball team coaches are suggested to consider the factors identified in this research and put them on their agenda as the criteria for their selection. On the other hand, executive bodies also should observe and set forth several factors to address the goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The cardioprotective effects of nuts are well established. However, the positive impacts of nuts in preventing CVD at a younger age, a condition known as premature coronary artery disease (PCAD), is still debated. Therefore, we aim to determine the association between nuts and PCAD occurrence and its severity in different Iranian ethnicities. Design: This case–control study was conducted within the framework of the Iran-premature coronary artery disease (I-PAD) study, an ongoing multi-centric study on Iranian patients of different ethnicities. Setting: This multi-centric case–control study was conducted in among 3253 persons under the age of 70 years in women and 60 years in men from different ethnicities in Iran. Participants: Information on nut consumption was collected using a validated FFQ. Subjects were selected from among the candidates for angiography. Cases were those whose coronary angiography showed stenosis of more than 75 % in at least one vessel or more than 50 % of the left main artery, while the control group participants had normal angiography results. Results: In the crude model, compared to the first quartile, the highest quartile of nut consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of PCAD (OR = 0·26, 95 % CI (0·21, 0·32); P for trend = 0·001). In the top quartile of nut intake, a substantial decrease in PCAD was observed after controlling for putative confounders (OR = 0·32; 95 % CI (0·24, 0·43); P for trend = 0·001). Additionally, a 75 % decrease in the risk of severe PCAD was observed in the participants in the highest quartile of nut intake. Conclusion: A significant inverse association was observed between nut intake and the risk and severity of PCAD in the Iranian population. Large-scale clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research note examines the diplomacy of Japan toward the Gulf states and Iran in the Middle East. It discusses how the Arab Gulf states and Iran are major commercial partners of Japan in the region, and how Japan’s goals in the Middle East are to promote shared prosperity, collaborate in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy, and foster governance and civil society by combating corruption, protecting national sovereignty, and protecting vulnerable populations. The study also examines the military presence of Japan in the Red Sea and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force mission of protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz to prevent terrorism, protect a vital oil shipping route, and foster a secure and stable region. Finally, the research outlines the five Kono Principles, which represent the outlook of Japan for future collaboration with the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zinc and vitamin D are essential factors required for growth. Recently, studies have shown a possible link between serum zinc and vitamin D levels. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate this link and its possible affecting growth factors in children and adolescents in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on the data obtained from children aged 2 to 18 years old referring to a growth assessment clinic for routine growth follow-ups in the city of Shiraz from April to August 2019. A total of 454 children who were checked for 25-hydroxyvitamin D and zinc simultaneously were included. Results: Vitamin D was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI)z-scores, while zinc was positively correlated with vitamin D and height z-scores. Subjects with vitamin D levels ≤ 8.6 ng/mL were 2.081 times as likely to have a zinc deficiency. Vitamin D insufficiency was significantly higher in overweight and obese children. Mean vitamin D and zinc levels were significantly lower, and vitamin D insufficiency was significantly higher in boys than girls. While mean zinc levels were significantly lower in short children, the prevalence of zinc deficiency was not statistically different between short and normal height statures. Conclusions: Very low vitamin D levels are likely to be accompanied by zinc deficiency, possibly caused by malnutrition and the modulatory effect of serum vitamin D on zinc absorption. Unlike zinc deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency is much more prevalent in Iranian children than in children from other countries. Vitamin D and zinc are associated with BMI and height z-scores, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of global deaths. So, it is necessary to know the possible risk factors for each region. We aimed to assess the relationship between the risk of CVDs and sleep duration in the Iranian Arab population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 8362 participants aged between 35 and 70 from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study enrollment phase between 2016 and 2018 was analyzed. This study evaluated the association between ten-year CVD risk using the Framingham risk score and sleep duration. Self-reported sleep duration was categorized as short duration (equal to or less than 5 h), standard duration (6–8 h), or prolonged duration (equal to or greater than 9 h). Multivariable logistic regression to adjust for conventional CVD risks was used. Results: Among the assessed participants, 4892 (58.50%) were female, and the mean age was 47.93 (9.01). The average sleep duration was 7.59 (1.56) hours. The low, intermediate-to-high, and high CVD risk individuals were 6461 (77.27%), 1185 (14.17%), and 716 (8.56%), respectively. There was a significant relationship between prolonged sleep duration and lower odds of intermediate-to-high CVD risk in males (OR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.87, P-value: 0.004). Conclusion: The results of our study showed that longer sleep duration has a protective association with the intermediate to high risk of cardiovascular diseases in males. However, long and short sleep durations have no significant relationship with females' risk of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rupture process of the recent moderate-to-large earthquakes in the Zagros area along the Iran plateau is investigated by analysing the strong motion data provided by the Iranian Building and Housing Research Centre (BHRC). The selected dataset includes the largest and deadliest 2017 Mw 7.3, Iran-Iraq (Ezgeleh) earthquake. The earthquake source parameters (moment magnitude, rupture duration and length, average slip, and static stress drop) are determined using a time-domain, parametric modelling technique based on the time evolution of the P-wave displacement signals. The earthquake source parameters are calculated from simulated triangular moment-rate functions assuming the circular source models for a constant rupture velocity. The anelastic attenuation effect is modelled through the independent frequency-Q parameter ranging from 50 to 200 and accounted for by a post-processing procedure that retrieves the attenuation-corrected, moment-rate triangular shape. Results show that the average static stress-drop with different Q P , varies between <Δσ> = 0.9 (0.7–1.2) MPa and <Δσ> = 1.6 (1.2–2.0) MPa. Overall, in this research, the rupture radius/length empirically scales with the seismic moment with a self-similar, near-constant stress drop of about 1 MPa. Assuming a circular rupture model for the Ezgeleh earthquake, we estimate a moment magnitude of 6.9, rupture duration of 7 s, source radius of 16 km, average slip of about 2 m and static stress drop of 3.4 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In face of climate change and global scale biodiversity loss, assessing the relationship between biodiversity and forest ecosystem functioning is essential, but poorly investigated in temperate forests of Iran. We examined plant diversity aboveground biomass relationships in unmanaged, and forests managed with a single-stem selection system in the Hyrcanian forests ecoregion in Northern Iran. Also, the effect of single-stem selection system on soil nutrient and plant species diversity of tree layer was investigated. Linear models were used to analyze the effect of management and soil characteristics on aboveground biomass and tree layer attributes. Moreover, the relationships between aboveground biomass and plant species diversity metrics and soil characteristics were investigated using simple linear and multiple linear regression analysis by using regression analysis. We found that tree layer species richness and Shannon diversity were significantly higher in managed forests compared to unmanaged forests. While simple regression analysis revealed no effect of tree layer diversity and soil characteristics on aboveground biomass, multiple regression analysis showed that the main positive driver of aboveground biomass was soil nitrogen content (or its equivalent soil organic carbon). These findings indicate that from a biodiversity point of view, the single-stem selection system can be considered a sustainable forest management approach in Hyrcanian forests because it has positive effects on tree layer diversity. This is probably driven by increased habitat heterogeneity and light availability at forest floor through cuttings, while keeping cutting intensity at a level that is too low to significantly affect tree biomass. While the relationship between soil nitrogen and biomass was positive, we found no relationship between species diversity and biomass. Finally, assessment of relationship between biomass and plant species diversity and other underlying factors such as soil nutrients can be considered an important tool to conserve and manage ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with acute burns are more vulnerable to COVID‐19 because of physiologically weak immune systems. This study aimed to assess and compare individual characteristics, clinical features, and clinical outcomes of acute burn among COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 patients. A retrospective study, with data collected from 611 acute burn patients with or without a COVID‐19 diagnosis referred to a burn centre in Iran. Data were collected from April 2020 to 2021. The mean age of acute burns patients with COVID‐19 was higher compared with acute burns patients with non‐COVID‐19 (47.82 vs. 32.59 years, P <.001). Acute burns occurred more frequently in COVID‐19 patients with comorbidities compared with non‐COVID‐19 patients (48.72% vs. 26.92%, P =.003). 58.97% of COVID‐19 patients and 55.42% of non‐COVID‐19 patients had grade II & III and II burns, respectively (P <.001). The mean total body surface area of the burn was higher in COVID‐19 patients compared with non‐COVID‐19 patients (32.69% vs. 16.22%, P <.001). Hospitalisation in the intensive care unit (ICU) was higher in COVID‐19 patients than in non‐COVID‐19 patients (76.92% vs. 15.73%, P <.001). Length of stay in hospital and ICU, the cost of hospitalisation, and waiting time for the operating room was higher in COVID‐19 patients compared with non‐COVID‐19 patients (15.30 vs. 3.88 days, P <.001; 9.61 vs. 0.75 days, P <.001; 30 430 628.717 vs. 10 219 192.44 rials, P =.011; 0.84 vs. 0.24 min, P <.001, respectively). Intubation and mortality in‐hospital were higher in COVID‐19 patients compared with non‐COVID‐19 patients (41.02% vs. 6.99%, P <.001; 35.90% vs. 6.12%, P <.001, respectively). Therefore, it is recommended that health managers and policymakers develop a care plan to provide high‐quality care to acute burns patients with COVID‐19, especially in low‐income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment is important for patients with end-stage kidney disease. This study aimed to determine the contribution of demographic factors to HRQOL in affected kidney recipients and dialysis patients on the waiting list for kidney transplantation in Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a comparative survey. We required 196 patients in the Sina Organ Procurement Unit. HRQOL of 100 kidney recipients was measured using Study Short-Form 36 and compared with 96 dialysis patients. The factors investigated were age, gender, and cause of kidney failure; data were evaluated using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: The scores of both groups were ordered from high to low in the following three dimensions: physical functioning, emotional well-being, and vitality. The mean physical component scores in kidney recipients and dialysis patients were 14.44±4.32 and 5.91±4.60, respectively. The mean mental component summary scores in kidney recipients and dialysis patients were 5.91 ± 4.60 and 5.12 ± 2.11, respectively. There were significant differences in all domains of HRQOL except role limitations due to emotional problems and emotional wellbeing in both groups (t = 0.963, P = 0.420). Age made the largest unique contribution (β = 0.211) to the physical component, while marital status was the greatest contributing factor to the mental component. Conclusion: HRQOL improved after successful kidney transplantation compared to dialysis patients, despite kidney transplant patients suffering the effect of using immunosuppressive medicine and being subject to infectious complications and tumors. This study shows that we have reached the primary goal of transplantation, which is to improve the HRQOL of kidney recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allium hirtifolium Boiss, called "Mooseer" in Iran, is a perennial herb and a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Herein the effect of different pretreatments including ultrasound (US), osmotic (OD), and ultrasound-assisted osmotic (UAO) pretreatment before microwave drying on its drying characteristics was investigated to evaluate quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Allium hirtifolium Boiss drying. All pretreated samples showed lower drying time compared to untreated samples. US and UAO pretreated samples showed lower drying time compared to OD pretreated samples. Based on the fitting data of 8 common thin-layer models, the Logarithmic model was the best model to describe the microwave drying behavior of Allium hirtifolium Boiss slices. UAO pretreated samples had higher water diffusivity and the effect of ultrasound power was significant (p < 0.05) on it. The obtained values were in the range of 3.074 × 10–7 and 8.574 × 10–7 m2/s which are in the general range of diffusivity of food material. Samples subjected to OD pretreatment showed lower Total Color Difference (ΔE) and Browning Index (BI) and higher rehydration ratio compared to UAO pretreatment. Generally, compared to OD pretreatment, UAO pretreatment did not show a significant effect (p > 0.05) on the total phenolic content and vitamin C of samples. However, it had a significant effect (p > 0.05) on the antioxidant content of the samples. Consequently, UAO pretreatment can reduce the drying time while maintaining the quality of samples and contributes to energy saving. Therefore, it is recommended to use UAO pretreatment in microwave drying of Allium hirtifolium Boiss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Different methods of poisoning used by individuals with the diagnosis of parasuicide admitted to the Loghman Hospital, Tehran, from 2000 to 2004 were investigated, with particular focus on gender and age differences. Drugs, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals (women: 12.7%, men: 9%) were the most commonly used methods. In males, the percentage of use of drugs increased with age, but the frequency of pesticides use decreased with age. In females, drugs were most often used in the youngest age group, whereas the use of pesticides was lowest in the youngest age category. Females outnumbered males, especially in the youngest age group of 10 to 19 years olds. Drugs and pesticides were the substances used most often for parasuicide in each age group regardless of gender.

Background: As a familiar yet abstract and vague concept for nurses, healing is affected by the cultural needs of different communities. The concept of healing is nowadays recommended in nursing theories, and its clarification can develop healing-based nursing care. The present study was conducted to objectify and clarify the concept of healing in nursing care. Methods: The present research employed a hybrid concept analysis model developed by Schwartz-Barcott and Kim. The conceptual analysis model of Walker & Avant was used in the theoretical phase, i.e., literature review, where relevant articles in PubMed, ISI, Google Scholar, Scopus, SID and Magiran were reviewed irrespective of publication time. Unstructured interviews were conducted with ten participants in the field data collection phase. A final analysis was performed by combining the two phases. Results: The theoretical phase identified healing characteristics such as balancing and hope-making originated from mental and spiritual states. Analyzing the data in the fieldwork stage extracted five main themes, i.e. "comprehensive psychophysical health", "cure, a small part of healing", "healing, a spiritual recovery", "an individual's own role in healing" and "healing, an unexpected event". During the patient care process, nurses can help patients heal by establishing appropriate communication and comprehensive understanding of the patients by designing and implementing appropriate interventions and integrating healing strategies into their comprehensive care measures. Conclusions: The concept of healing in nursing care is a general and complex process, and different people can interpret it differently on their road to health. Properly understanding the concept of healing enables nurses to assist patients in achieving health and healing through proper communication, holistic care, empowering patients to perform self-care and providing spiritual care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a theory of goal attainment–based care plan on quality of life among patients with myocardial infarction. One hundred two patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received a theory of goal attainment–based care plan during their hospital stay and a two-month follow-up assessment after hospital discharge. Quality of life was assessed using the Persian version of the MacNew Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire. Despite no significant difference between the groups with respect to the pretest mean scores of quality of life and its dimensions (p >.05), the posttest mean scores of quality of life and its dimensions in the intervention group were significantly greater than those of the control group (p <.001). Moreover, while the mean scores of quality of life and its dimensions significantly increased in the intervention group (p <.001), they did not significantly change in the control group (p >.05), except for the mean score of physical functioning (p =.032). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the necessary features to confront the COVID-19 pandemic is performance and resilience which causes nursing managers to have a wider perspective based on preventing preparation and reaction to the disaster. This study aims to evaluate the nursing perspectives on nursing management during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Materials and Methods: One hundred eighty-nine Iranian nurses working in a Corona Center hospital took part in this cross-sectional study. This hospital is the main center for curing COVID-19 patients in Guilan province, Iran. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of demographic features and disaster-managing surveys based on seven engineering approaches in hospitals by enumeration sampling from June to October 2021. Results: Findings showed the Mean±SD score of the nursing managers' functions was 141.77±26.12 based on resilience approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 73.2% of the participants believed that the managers' performance during the pandemic was at a medium level. The Mean±SD scores of resilience principles in the nursing managers' performance with detachment consisted of the commitment of the senior management at 29.34±5.90, the culture of fallibility at 18.34±3.84, the culture of learning at 11.81±2.77, awareness 6.62±1.61, preparation 9.56±4.03, flexibility 48.42±10.31, and transparency 17.35±4.03. There was a great statistical difference between the nursing managers' performance and the employment type. Conclusion: The nursing managers' performance level was at a medium level based on the resilience principles during the COVID-19 pandemic. The desirable performance of the nursing managers caused a reduction in burnout, increased job satisfaction, and ultimately reduced the nurses' taking leaves. Therefore, designing and performing effective interventions to improve the nursing managers' performance in a disaster is necessary. The trauma caused by COVID-19 has increased the nursing managers' responsibility to create safe environments and perform the nurses' protection policy. These activities and strategies can be performed at different levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a review of Iranian studies, no studies have yet to explore a relationship between substance use disorders (SUDs), depression and/or PTSD. In this paper, we report whether the Iranian women and men with SUDs exhibit differences in PTSD and depression. A cross-sectional study was performed on 600 SUDs patients in treatment. Assessments included socio demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory II, and the PTSD Checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive, chi-square (χ2) and logistic regression analysis. PTSD was 61.5% in the study population. The mean PTSD score was 47.92 ± 12.07 for all men and women. The participants revealed mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms 19.7%, 24.3%, and 32.3%, respectively. Women were more likely than men to be diagnosed with PTSD (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.82, 95%CI: 1.19, 2.80) and depression (AOR =1.65, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.77). In addition, marital status and job status were significantly associated with depression and PTSD. This study shows remarkably higher prevalence of PTSD and depression in drug using women than their male counterparts. The results illustrate a number of gender differences that may shed light on etiologic models of co-morbid SUDs, PTSD, and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to examine the environmental factors associated in Iranian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Background: The role of environmental factors in the development of IBD remains uncertain. Methods: In this case-control study, the patients with IBD referred to the Taleghani Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were recruited from 2017 to 2019. Controls were matched by sex. Data were collected using the designed questionnaire and also valid questionnaire such Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for sleep quality and anxiety/depression, respectively. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs). Results: The study population included 200 individuals: 100 (50%) IBD patients and 100 (50%) controls. Age under 50, marital status, sleep difficulties, vitamin D insufficiency, anxiety/depression, dietary fiber deficit, post-menopausal hormone treatment, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics were all prognostic factors for IBD on the univariate analysis (P< 0.005). In multivariate analysis, the risk of IBD was significantly increased with 50 years (OR: 6.699, 95%CI: 3.271-8.662, P=0.017), abnormal sleep status (OR: 6.383, 95%CI: 3.389-7.19, P=0.001), and using oral contraceptive (OR: 7.426, 95%CI: 5.327-9.865, P=0.001). However, the risk of IBD was significantly decreased with older age (OR: 0.795, 95%CI: 0.697-0.907, P=0.001) and married status (OR: 0.008, 95%CI: 0.001- 0.438, P=0.018). Conclusion: Data suggest that the environmental factors play a significant role in the etiology of IBD and probably on the disease course. While the evidence for some factors is strong, many factors require further supportive data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: Rocky outcrops generally restrict recruitment and survival of plant species due to their environmental conditions including low soil moisture, nutrient shortages and microclimate harshness. Under such severe conditions, nurse plants may play critical roles in preserving plant biodiversity. Although the nurses' effects on plant biodiversity are fully understood in different major biomes, the relative effects of abiotic factors and nurse plants as important factors have rarely been studied in rocky outcrops, and compared to those in the surrounding rangelands. Therefore, we sought to assess the effects of two dominant shrub species (Artemisia aucheri and Prunus pseudoprostrata) on all biodiversity components including taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity across some environmental gradients such as precipitation and soil gradients in rocky outcrops and their surrounding rangelands. Location: The study was conducted on six sites located in rocky outcrops and their surrounding rangelands across a precipitation gradient (160–910 mm) and under different soil fertility levels in northern Iran. Methods: We established 80 1‐m2 (1 m × 1 m) plots in each site with respect to the presence of nurse shrubs, and measured biodiversity components within the plots using Rao Q entropies (q0, q1 and q2) and mean pairwise distance (MPD) indices. The relative interaction index (RII) was also calculated to quantify the interaction type and intensity. Finally, variation partitioning analysis was performed to determine the relative importance of biotic interactions and abiotic factors such as precipitation, electrical conductivity (EC) and phosphorus on structuring biodiversity components. Results: Plant–plant interactions and abiotic factors consistently influenced different components of biodiversity in rocky outcrops and their surrounding rangelands. However, nurse shrubs showed stronger effects on plant biodiversity than abiotic factors by providing suitable microenvironments to harbor less‐tolerant plant species under the severe conditions of outcrops. In addition, microhabitats beneath nurse shrubs significantly responded to soil EC and precipitation gradients, with a decrease in competition intensity under intermediate levels of the gradients. In contrast, nurse shrubs negatively affected different components of biodiversity, with a decrease in biodiversity under intermediate levels of environmental gradients in surrounding rangelands. Conclusions: Our findings show critical roles of nurse shrubs for maintaining plant biodiversity in rocky outcrops depending on their growth form and the biodiversity component considered. In this case, nurse shrubs could reduce double environmental filtering, consistent with establishing a functional paradox trade‐off to support a wide range of plant species with functionally divergent relatedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If available forest inventory techniques or measurement instruments are not satisfying or appropriate for monitoring a particulare forest, options include developing a new inventory technique and/or modifying an available instrument. In this study, we present a new application of horizontal line sampling (HLS) in combination with a crown relascope as a potential alternative to line intersect sampling (LIS) to monitor coppice forests (CF). In CFs, the stem basal area relascope is not applicable, since trees often lack distinct stems and are not visible at breast height. Our study was conducted in an open oak-dominated CF in western Iran and we focussed on two forest attributes: above-ground biomass (AGB) and the total number of trees (N). We assessed the field performance of HLS and LIS in CFs and evaluate various line transect lengths and crown relascope angles. Our results indicate that longer line transects (80 m) produce smaller relative sampling errors compared to shorter ones (20 m) and smaller relascope angles (36.8°) are more precise than larger ones (67.4°). In terms of cost-efficiency, HLS is superior or equivalent to LIS in some cases. While HLS and LIS gave different estimates of AGB and N, the difference was not statistically significant at the 95% level. Both relascope angle and line transect length impact the efficiency of HLS. Our study provides evidence that this technique can be useful for monitoring forest conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease, which itself can lead to liver disorders, is known as the most common cause of death in many countries, including Iran. Elevated liver enzymes can increase mortality risk after transplantation in most heart surgeries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of elevated liver enzymes before and after transplantation on the risk of perioperative mortality in heart transplant patients. Methods: The information of this historical cohort study was prepared using patients’ hospital records from 2014 to 2019. The data belonged to demographic information, medical history, and laboratory data of 203 patients admitted to Dr. Masih Daneshvari Hospital. More than three times normal institutional ranges defined elevated liver enzymes. Also, the number of deaths within 30 days after transplantation was considered to determine perioperative mortality. The Chi-square test and regression method were used to analyze the data using SPSS software. Results: Mortality of patients with elevated liver enzymes before and on the first, second, and third days after heart transplantation was 4.08, 3.95, 3.75, and 4.89 times higher than those with normal liver enzymes, respectively. Increasing the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was associated with a significantly increased risk of death (p<0.001). Conclusion: Elevated liver enzymes before or three days after heart transplantation are significantly associated with perioperative transplant death. Optimization of liver function before transplantation can play an important role in preventing mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diverse ethnic groups that exist in Iran may differ regarding the risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and family history of non-communicable disease. Premature Coronary Artery Disease (PCAD) is more endemic in Iran than before. This study sought to assess the association between ethnicity and lifestyle behaviors in eight major Iranian ethnic groups with PCAD. Methods: In this study, 2863 patients aged ≤ 70 for women and ≤ 60 for men who underwent coronary angiography were recruited in a multi-center framework. All the patients' demographic, laboratory, clinical, and risk factor data were retrieved. Eight large ethnicities in Iran, including the Farses, the Kurds, the Turks, the Gilaks, the Arabs, the Lors, the Qashqai, and the Bakhtiari were evaluated for PCAD. Different lifestyle components and having PCAD were compared among the ethnical groups using multivariable modeling. Results: The mean age of the 2863 patients participated was 55.66 ± 7.70 years. The Fars ethnicity with 1654 people, was the most subject in this study. Family history of more than three chronic diseases (1279 (44.7%) was the most common risk factor. The Turk ethnic group had the highest prevalence of ≥ 3 simultaneous lifestyle-related risk factors (24.3%), and the Bakhtiari ethnic group had the highest prevalence of no lifestyle-related risk factors (20.9%). Adjusted models showed that having all three abnormal lifestyle components increased the risk of PCAD (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.04–1.06). The Arabs had the most chance of getting PCAD among other ethnicities (OR = 2.26, 95%CI: 1.40–3.65). While, the Kurds with a healthy lifestyle showed the lowest chance of getting PCAD (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.05–3.67)). Conclusions: This study found there was heterogeneity in having PACD and a diverse distribution in its well-known traditional lifestyle-related risk factors among major Iranian ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]