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Citrus is one of the most important fruits whose growth performance and production is significantly affected by environmental stresses. Abiotic stresses, such as salinity and alkaline pH, strikingly limit citrus growth and development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of four NaCl concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90 mM) and two pH levels (6.5 and 8.2) on some of morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters of two citrus rootstocks (Sour orange and Bakraei rootstocks). The experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design with four replications, at the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran. The results showed that the value of shoot dry weight, fresh and dry weight of roots, and transpiration were significantly decreased in both Bakraei and Sour orange rootstocks when receiving irrigation with 90 mM supplement of salinity at pH= 8.2. Proline and carbohydrates of citrus rootstocks were considerably increased by increasing the levels of salinity (90 mM NaCl) and alkaline stress (pH= 8.2) in each rootstock, at which condition the photosynthesis rate of Sour orange and Bakraei also declined by 34.77 and 50.80%, respectively. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were increased by 57.42, 42.10, and 45.86% in Sour orange rootstock and 42.04, 26.78, and 37.92% in Bakraei rootstock, respectively. Overall, it can be concluded that the growth performance of Sour orange rootstock is more suitable than Bakraei to tolerate salt-alkali conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels of salt (NaCl) in diets, particularly in bread as an important staple food in public diets worldwide, should be monitored to meet the recommended level. The purpose of this study was to assess the salt content (per 100 g dry weight) of the five most popular traditional bread samples (n = 925) randomly collected from five cities of Iran and compare content levels with the salt target level set by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research (ISIRI). Overall, 27.6% of the traditional samples bread in 2018 met the ISIRI criteria, while a higher value (47.2%)was noted in 2016. The mean salt content (1.38 g/100 g ± 0.72) in the current study was significantly higher (P < 0.001) while compared with those in 2016 (1.02 g/100 g ± 0.59). Estimating daily salt intakes in the Iranian population through bread consumption was 2.25 and 3.00 g/day in 2016 and 2018, respectively. Therefore, to reduce salt consumption and, consequently, the incidence of non-communicable diseases, implementing programs to modify existing standards or develop new standards and raise public awareness is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li) is a scarce and technologically important element; the demand for which has recently increased due to its extensive consumption, particularly in manufacturing of Li-ion batteries, renewable energy, and electronics. Li is extracted from brines, pegmatite, and clay minerals; though extraction from brines is economically preferred. More than 200 salt plugs are in the Zagros Mountains which represent potential sources for Li exploration. This preliminary study collected first data on the abundance of Li in the salt plugs in southern Iran, and investigated Li distribution during evaporation of halite-producing brine ponds. The XRD analysis of powdered samples showed that gypsum and halite are the dominant solid phases in the ponds in which Li is concentrated in gypsum, while halite is depleted of Li. ICP-MS and ICP-OES analyses showed that Li in brines is concentrated during the evaporation by factors up to 28 with total contents up to 40 mg kg‒1. The Mg/Li ratio was higher than 70, which makes the brine unsuitable for conventional evaporation extraction techniques which require Mg/Li ratios of less than 6. Considering that 25 mg kg‒1 is a suitable concentration of Li for exploration purposes, the results of this study suggest that with the advancement of extraction techniques, the depletion of presently used high-grade Li reserves, the increasing demand for lithium, the need for extraction from diverse sources, and the exploration of new resources, the salt plug brines have an exploratory potential for Li in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A variety of prediction equations have been able to estimate 24-h urinary sodium excretion from spot urine samples; however, Iranians over the age of 50 have not been compared and verified. Using spot urine samples as a substitute for 24-h urine samples to estimate 24-h urine sodium excretion among the population age 50 and older are the purpose of this study. Methods: A 24-h urinary sodium excretion was studied by well-known Kawasaki, INTERSALT, Tanaka, and World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) formulas. On 360 individuals, the mean bias, agreements between estimated and measured values, correlation, absolute and relative differences, and misclassification rates were evaluated for four equations. Results: As a result, the mean urinary sodium excretion for a 24-h period was 136.3 ± 52.21 mmol/24-h, which corresponds to a calculated intake of 9.1 ± 3.8 g of salt per day. According to the WHO/PAHO formula, the mean bias between measured values and estimated 24-h urinary sodium excretion is − 21.6 mg/day (95% confidence interval (CI) − 144.8, 101.6 mg/day), which is the smallest difference compared with the other three formulas. The lowest rate of individual misclassification of salt intake was 40% for WHO/PAHO, especially for those who consumed less than 9 g/day, while Kawasaki had the lowest misclassification rate at higher levels of salt intake. Conclusion: As a result of our research, the WHO/PAHO equations accurately predict 24-h urinary sodium excretion among Iranians aged ≥ 50 more than other equations, both at the population level and at the individual level. However, further study is needed in regard to different ages in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large salt lakes are long-term witnesses to climatic conditions and land use in their basins. The majority are experiencing a drastic drop in water levels due to climate change and human impact. Endoreic Lake Urmia (NW Iran), the sixth largest salt lake worldwide, is a striking example of this decline. Quantification of the relative contributions of natural variability and human impact on the lake's water supply is therefore essential. Here we present isotopic and radiocarbon analyses of surface and groundwater from the Shahr Chay River catchment, entering Lake Urmia on its western shore, and radiocarbon dating of a sedimentary core. Lake Urmia behaves like a large saltwater wedge almost entirely fed by the river and shallow groundwater. This leads to trapping of residual brines and formation of CH4 and secondary CO2 greenhouse gases, impacting sediment geochemical records and corresponding time scales for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. We conclude that (1) salt lakes functioning like a saline wedge, allowing organic matter oxidation, could contribute to increasing methane sources or reducing carbon sinks globally, and (2) endoreic basins worldwide need to be monitored before aridification-related salinization leads to the establishment of a saline wedge precluding any possibility of return to an equilibrium state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects of climate change and human activities on the groundwater level and the concentration of pollutants, such as total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, and sodium, were investigated in the western part of the Varamin Plain. The groundwater flow and pollutant transport were simulated with the two models of MODFLOW and MT3D, respectively. To investigate the impacts of climate change, the two parameters of temperature and precipitation were downscaled under the three scenarios of RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5. Four scenarios, including the current condition (Scenario 0), a 25% increase in the extraction from pumping wells (Scenario 1), the climate change effects (Scenario 2), and an increase in the incoming effluent (TDS) to the Shoor River due to industrial activities (Scenario 3), were investigated for a future period of 30 years (2025–2055). The results show that the highest groundwater decline and chloride and sodium concentrations occur under Scenario 1, while Scenario 3 leads to the maximum TDS concentration (milligrams per liter). In Scenario 1, the average and maximum groundwater decline at the end of the simulation period will be 2.5 m and 7.3 m, and the chloride and sodium concentrations will increase by 7 and 5 milligrams per liter, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As reports of the first national study reveal, Iranian salt intake reaches 9.52 g/day (two times more than recommended by World Health Organization). Meanwhile ignoring the consequences of high salt intake has led to an increased rate of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), stroke, stomach cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, etc., To tackle these threatening issues, a nationwide intervention campaign could be an effective solution based on global experiences. A review of previous work in Iran shows that despite numerous efforts conducted in the prevention of CVDs, they were not well reflected in worldwide sources. Furthermore, a comprehensive campaign was not implemented particularly concerning the salt reduction in Iran. As a result, we first reviewed the major successful initiatives conducted in reducing salt intake around the world and Iran. Then we introduced the components of a comprehensive social marketing campaign along with customized actions related to Iranian nutrition habits, their attitude, and behavior toward salt consumption. These employed components were SWOT analysis, identifying target group, determining communication goals and objectives based on models and theories, planning executive plan, designing communication messages and materials, media planning and promotional actions, and determining campaign budget plus monitoring and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High salt intake has been connected with the increase of many non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. Like other middle‐income countries, Iran is experiencing a considerable increase in NCDs, necessitating attempts to reduce dietary salt intake. As in Iran there is uncertainty about the existing rate of salt intake. The present study aimed to estimate mean salt intake of Iranian population by systematically reviewing existing literature. Methods: This research is a systematic review and meta‐analysis (PRISMA Protocol) of published article data, with no time constraint until the end of 2020, to estimate mean salt intake of Iranian population. A comprehensive literature search was performed on international databases of Medline, Science Direct, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Springer, Online Library Wiley, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar and domestic data bases of Iranmedex, Magiran, SID, and Medlib. Subgroup analysis was conducted for gender, region, measurement method, and age group. Research homogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistic. We reviewed all studies which met inclusion criteria. STATA Ver.13.1 was used to perform meta‐analysis. Results: Meta‐analysis of data from 32 studies showed that the average salt intake in all ages was 9.674 g/day (95% CI, 9.033–10.316 g/day). The lowest estimation of salt intake was 9.33 g/day (95% CI, 7.75–10.91 g/day) which was estimated from studies which used point collection method, and the highest estimate using the food reminder questionnaire was 10.41 g/day (95% CI, 8.49–12.34 g/day). Also, the average weight salt intake for men over 18 years old in different cities was 10.39 g/day (95% CI, 9.01–11.78 g/day), for women over 18 years in different cities 9.52 g/day (95% CI, 8.42–10.62 g/day), and children and adolescents was estimated at 5.664 g/day (95% CI, 2.91–8.41 g/day). Conclusion: The intake of salt in the Iranian population is near twice the WHO recommendation. Therefore, it is necessary to consider effective strategies and interventions to reduce dietary salt intake in Iran as a health priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the performance of bench-scale EDR was evaluated using the samples taken from the 1st and the 2nd stage RO from the Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis (BWRO) plant in Eshtehard, Iran. The measurements indicated that original TDS of the aquifer brackish water was equal to 3,229–3,664 mg/L, whereas TDS of the 1st stage RO brine was between 5,500 and 7,700 mg/L, that TDS of the 2nd stage RO brine was in the range of 9,500–10,600 mg/L. A batch bench-scale EDR system of 12 l/h was used with a direct electric current at three different scenarios. In the first, the brine was fed at 20°C (as a reference regulated point). In the second, temperature (14, 20, 26.5°C), and in the third, voltage were changed (6, 12, 18, 24 V) to investigate their influences on performance of the EDR process, while the other operational parameters (feed flow rate, recovery ratio, quality of feed brine)were kept constant. Based on the data analysis using the ANOVA and DUNCAN tests for the second and third scenarios, it was observed that the optimum TDS removal efficiency of the EDR process can be at temperature of 26.5°C and voltage of 18 V. On the other hand, the successful performance of the bench-scale EDR in reducing the 29,000 mg/L TDS and the 45,000 μmhos/cm EC of the 2nd stage brine to 1,716 mg/L (TDS) and 2,640 μmhos/cm (EC) (at 26.5°C and 24V) could be considered as the main achievement of this research. Overall, the hybrid process RO-EDR-RO can be considered as the best technical, environmental and economical scenario for the development of Eshtehard Desalination Plant phase 2 at full scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considering the importance of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Iran, the aim of this study is to identify the trend in the salt (NaCl) levels of various types of traditional bread (sangak, barbari, taftoon, and lavash breads) in Tehran in 2016 and 2018 and its implication for public health. Methods: A total of 777 samples of various traditional breads were randomly collected from various districts located in Tehran in 2018. The salt content (expressed as g/100 g dry weight) in these breads were determined according to Volhard method. Results from this study were compared with those reported in 2016. Results: The present study indicated that the mean salt content in traditional breads in 2018 was significantly higher than that reported in 2016. Salt content in traditional breads collected in 2018 ranged from 0.03 to 6.52/100 g dry weight, with mean value of 1.43 g/100 g dry weight. When comparing with the permitted limit set by Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI), there was an increase in the percentage of samples complying with the permitted limit; 50.8% (2016) vs 54.1% (2018). Conclusions: The daily salt intake increased from 1.56 g per person in 2016 to 2.31 g per person in 2018. Considering the high bread per capita consumption in Iran, it seems that half of the daily recommended salt intake could be reached exclusively through breads. Hence, the main strategies for salt intake reduction from bread could be achieved through evaluation of salt reduction programs and development of technological factors in bread baking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals are one of the environmental pollutants that human exposure to them can cause chronic diseases. In most people, food is one of the most important sources of heavy metals. Therefore, the evaluation of heavy metals residues in various food samples and food additives like salt is of great importance. In this study, 30 salt samples were collected from 30 different locations of Lake Urmia and analysed with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy to assess the contamination of heavy metals in them. In this method, the analytes were extracted with two chelating agents. The maximum concentrations of Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, As, and Pb in the evaluated salt samples were 40, 541, 261, 464, 38, and 254 ng g–1, respectively. Comparison of the obtained results with the Codex maximum residue limits of heavy metals in the edible salt indicated that only in two cases of the studied salt samples the concentrations of metals exceeded the recommended levels (in one sample the concentration of Cr and in another sample, the concentration of Hg). Considering the outcomes of this study and the adverse effects of heavy metals residues on human health, continuous monitoring of their levels in the salt samples of Lake Urmia is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment salt or unrefined salt is among the widely used ingredients in a variety of eastern food products while the contamination of this product with properties potentially toxic elements (PTEs) due to their bio-bioaccumulation and persistence can endanger the health of consumers. In this regard, in the current investigation, 62 samples of salt sediment were collected from Aran and Bidgol Lake and the concentration of As, Cd, Ni, and Pb were measured by the aid of an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Also, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for the adults and children consumers were estimated by the aid of the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. According to findings, the rank order of PTEs based of their concentration was As (0.41 mg/kg) > Ni (0.22 mg/kg) > Cd (0.17 mg/kg) > Pb (0.15 mg/kg), while the rank order of PTEs according to target hazard quotient (THQ) for the adult's consumers were calculated as As (0.285) > Cd (0.030) > Pb (0.017) > Ni (0.007) and for children was As (1.471) > Cd (0.170) > Pb (0.072) > Ni (0.035). Also, the cancer risk (CR) due to As in the adults and children was measured as 1.27E-4 and 6.19E-4, respectively. The non-carcinogenic health risk demonstrated that all consumers (adults and children) are at the safe range (TTHQ < 1); however, consumers are at cancer risk due to ingestion of As via salt consumption (CR > 10−4). Therefore, the continuous and careful monitoring for control entrance sources of As into salt sediment of Aran and Bidgol lake is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. This study aimed to evaluate an intervention based on the Health Belief Model regarding the whole family's salt consumption and blood pressure among hypertensive patients in rural areas in Iran.Methods: This clinical multicenter trial (clinical and community) with a control and an intervention group was conducted on the residents of 14 villages covered by 14 health houses. Totally, 200 hypertensive patients (n = 100 in each group) were selected via multistage random sampling. The intervention included a two-day workshop on blood pressure and reducing salt consumption based on HBM structures for health personnel and an eight-session workshop on how to reduce salt intake and blood pressure for mothers who were responsible for the families' diets. Participants completed the questionnaires before and immediately after the intervention.Results: Compared to the control group, in the intervention group, a significant reduction was observed in salt consumption by the families (urine sodium and creatinine reduced by 35 mEq/l and 7.5 mg/dL, respectively). The results also revealed a significant decrease in blood pressure in the intervention group.Conclusion: The results showed that the mothers' model-based education could effectively improve the diet of the whole family members and, as a result, reduce the associated diseases. The main advantage of this study was the involvement of the rural health personnel, which helped run longer and larger-scale health-promotion programs in the communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the first reason for death worldwide, in which poor diet is the leading risk factor. It is estimated that 20% of all death is related to food. The Unhealthy diet includes many foods with excessive salt, sugar and fat. This paper reports a national study on the socio-cultural determinants affecting salt, sugar and fat consumption in Iran. Methods: This is a qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 various purposefully identified key stakeholders to collect data from December 2018 until August 2019 in Iran. Results: We identified socio-cultural determents of salt, fat and sugar consumption as follows: Inadequate structure of traditional medicine and people's desire for traditional foods, low health literacy, the global trend of nutritional transition and its impact on Iranian society, The progressive decline of people's trust in NGOs, and Inappropriate media management. Worse still, the global trend of nutritional transition and people's tendency towards fast foods, unhealthy diet and junk foods, partially due to establishing children's taste mainly with salty, high-fat and sweet foods, has jeopardized their desire to eat healthily during adulthood. Conclusion: Reducing salt, fat and sugar consumption is problematic in Iran, mainly due to multi-dimensional socio-cultural determinants. In line with sustainable development goal (SDG) 3.4 to reduce 30% of premature death due to NCDs and related risk factors by 2030 in Iran, various stakeholders from multiple sectors need to initiate coherent series of interventions to alter people's approach to select food so that they may reduce the consumption of foods with excessive salt, fat and sugar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to estimate salt intake among an Iranian population using spot urine-based equations and a dietary-based method. Methods: Adult men and women (n = 2069) were recruited from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2014–2017). Urinary sodium (Na), potassium (K), and creatinine (Cr) concentrations were measured in the morning spot urine samples. The 24-h urinary Na excretion and predicted salt intake was estimated using five equations, i.e., Kawasaki, Tanaka, Intersalt, Toft, and Whitton. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to obtain dietary intake of salt. The agreement of each urinary- and FFQ-based salt estimation with the overall mean of the methods, considered as the gold standard, was assessed using the Bland–Altman method. Results: Mean age of the participants was 45.6 ± 14.8 y, and 45.4% were men. Mean (SD) estimated salt intake, derived from the overall mean of the methods, was 9.0 ± 2.2 g/d (10.2 ± 2.1 and 7.9 ± 1.7 g/d in men and women, respectively). Mean bias of the estimations from the overall mean ranged from − 0.2.42 to 2.75 g/d, with the Tanaka equation having the least bias (mean bias = 0.13 ± 1.10, 95% CI − 2.37, 2.30 g/d). Tanaka estimated a mean salt intake of 8.9 g/d (range 2.1 to 18.7 g/d); accordingly, only 5.1% of participants adhered to the recommendation (< 5 g/d salt intake), whereas 26.8% and 2.4% exceeded the recommendation by 2- and threefold. Conclusion: The Tanaka equation could provide a more accurate mean-population estimated salt intake from casual urinary Na concentration in our population. About 95% of the Iranian population exceeded the current recommendations of salt intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Controlling and reducing salt intake are one of the solutions to overcome hypertension. This study aimed at determining the predictors related to salt control methods in Saqez urban population. Methods and Materials. In the present cross-sectional study, the sample population was randomly selected through cluster sampling. Data collection was performed using valid questionnaires, demographic, family economic status, knowledge, perception, intention, salt intake behaviors, and salt control methods, along with measuring body mass index (BMI) and hypertension levels. Descriptive, analytical statistical methods and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the predictors of desirable salt control methods. The variables of sex, age, family economic status, knowledge, perception, perceived social support, self-efficacy, and intention were analyzed as independent variables. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24 at a significance level of 0.05. Results. Out of 766 participants, 73% were women, with mean (M) 32.83, standard deviation (SD) 9.52 years, and 77.2% were married. There were significant sex differences in employment (P = 0.01) and economic status (P = 0.016). The M (SD) of blood pressure (systolic/diastolic) was 110.65 (0.0212) (P = 0.441). The salt intake control methods between men and women did not show significant differences (P = 0.368). Among totally 88.5%, 87.7% men and 88.9% women followed desirable behaviors. The predictors that determine the adoption of salt control methods were sex (man) (OR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.38–1.29)), age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = (0.99–1.05)), SES/FAS (medium, high level) (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = (0.754–2.47); OR = 0.46, 95% CI = (0.047–4.55)), blood pressure (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = (0.16–11.23)), knowledge (have) (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = (0.39–1.63)), intent to reduce salt (OR = 1.047, 95% CI = (1.03–1.06)), perceived salt reduction importance (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = (1.01–1.04)), perceived emotional support (health staff) (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = (1.01–1.04)), media (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.99–1.02), perceived practical support (spouse) (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.99–1.04)), and perceived self-efficacy (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = (0.99–1.03)). Conclusion. The support of health staff and spouse seems to be effective in controlling the salt intake behaviors of healthy individuals. In parallel with the development and change of people's lifestyles, new approaches (legal and services) for salt control based on the support of media and social media were expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (SFFQ)s has yet been developed to assess sodium intake in Middle East region. This study was performed to validate a SFFQ for assessment of sodium consumption and food groups΄ contribution to sodium intake. Methods: This study was performed on 219 healthy participants including 113 adults aged ≥19 years and 106 children aged 6–18 years in Isfahan, Iran. They were administered two SFFQ at the beginning and after 1 year to evaluate the reproducibility. The validity of SFFQ for assessment of sodium intake was compared with 24-h urine sodium and twelve 24-h dietary recalls which were completed monthly during a year as two standard methods. Results: Correlation coefficient between the contribution of food groups to sodium intake based on SFFQ and 24-h dietary recalls varied from 0.04 for legumes (P = 0.667) to 0.47 for added salt (P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the estimated total sodium intake based on SFFQ and both standard methods (P < 0.01). Intraclass correlation coefficient (95% CI) between first and second SFFQ had a diverse range from 0.10 (-0.05, 0.17) for fats and oils to 0.49 (0.28, 0.69) for bread. According to the Bland-Altman plots, we observed an acceptable level of agreement between the two methods for sodium intake. Conclusions: The SFFQ was a relatively valid and reproducible method for estimating sodium intake. Combination of this SFFQ with a valid prediction of 24-h urinary sodium excretion can be useful in achieving more accurate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study salinity tolerance of 15 basil accessions widely distributed across Iran, they were grown under two salt levels including control (no NaCl) and 40 mM NaCl (Hoagland nutrient solutions with EC of 1.1 and 5.5 dS m-1, respectively). The studied parameters included morphological characteristics and chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (OJIP) measurements. According to the results, the accessions were categorized into three clusters under the salt stress. Salinity had significant effects on morphological and growth parameters in all basil plants. Compared to the control, NaCl decreased plant height. The number of leaves in Khash, Zabol, and Orumiyeh accessions was more than the others. Both salt and accession caused a decrease up to 43% in leaf fresh weight, emphasizing the major role of accession when salinity was applied. Salinity influenced negatively the biomass yield in basil plants. These decreases varied from 19 to 45% depending on the accessions. Salt treatment of basil plants decreased photosystem II activity, as evaluated from chlorophyll fluorescence data. The parameters that were most affected by salt treatment were maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (FV/FM) and calculated Performance Index (PIABS). Overall, among the studied basil accessions, genotype Ardabil had superior tolerance to salt stress. Furthermore, the most of accessions can be used for studying the mechanism of salinity tolerance in basil plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The high prevalence of hypertension is a significant concern worldwide. A decrease in salt intake is a well-known strategy to control hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Little is known about the factors influencing salt intake behaviors in settings such as Iran where consumption of salt is higher than the recommended amount. The purpose of this study was to find out what factors affect three salt intake behaviors among women: adding salt when cooking, adding salt to prepared food at the table and purchasing salty foods. Design/methodology/approach: A community-wide cross-sectional survey of 516 women was conducted in Ilam, Iran. Participants were recruited using the cluster random sampling method. The survey included behaviors and variables of an expanded theory of planned behavior. The hypothesized relationships were investigated using structural equation modeling. Findings: Perceived behavioral control (PBC) (p < 0.001) and habit (p = 0.01) appeared to be significant factors of adding salt when cooking. Determinants of adding salt to food at the table were intention (p < 0.001), PBC (p < 0.001), habit (p < 0.001). Also, PBC (p < 0.001), intention (p < 0.001), habit (p < 0.001) were identified as predictors of the purchase of salty foods. The results did not support the moderating role of Hedonic feeling to salt on the relation between intention and behaviors. Originality/value: This study would be applicable to develop salt reduction interventions. Because altering the hedonic response to food is difficult, the lack of its moderating role could be a promising finding for developing salt reduction interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Dental caries is known as a multimicrobial disease. Caries are very prevalent in numerous countries, and the incidence is higher in underdeveloped countries than in developed countries. Dental caries is a major public health problem, and it is the most prevalent health problem across the world, affecting 2.4 billion people. Natural mouthwashes can be beneficial in the prevention of dental caries and oral infections without the side effects of synthetic mouthwashes. Aim. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxicity properties of sea salt from different areas of Iran. Methods and Materials. Sea salts from different areas (Urmia, Qom, and Jarquyeh) of Iran were collected. In order to define the elemental and mineralogical features of different salt samples, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) was employed. Different concentrations (0.19–50 mg/mL) of sea salt were used in the antimicrobial and antibiofilm tests. The antimicrobial (MIC, MBC, MFC, and DAD tests) and antibiofilm (formation and degradation tests) effects were evaluated against L. acidophilus, S. aureus, E. coli, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. salivarius, and C. albicans. The cytotoxic effect of salts was evaluated on human gingival fibroblasts by the MTT test. Results. The range of MIC values in mg ml−1 was as follows: S. salivarius (50), S. mutans (50), S. mitis (50), L. acidophilus (12.5 to >50), C. albicans (50), E. coli (12.5 to 25), and S. aureus (12.5 to 25), while MBC values were, S. mutans (>50), S. salivarius (>50), S. mitis (>50), L. acidophilus (50 to >50), C. albicans (>50), E. coli (50), and S. aureus (50). MTT results showed that more than 50% of cell viability depends on decreasing the salt concentration (<1.56 mg/ml). Conclusion. Sea salts had significant antimicrobial effects on cariogenic bacteria and C. albicans. Therefore, sea salts can be a suitable candidate for mouthwash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: High salt intake is one of the leading diet-related risk factors for several non-communicable diseases. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of high salt intake in Iran. Design: A modelling study by the small area estimation method, based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey, Iran STEPwise approach to risk factor Surveillance (STEPS) 2016. The modelling estimated the prevalence of high salt intake, defined as a daily salt intake ≥ 5 g in all districts of Iran based on data from available districts. The modelling results were provided in different geographical and socio-economic scales to make the comparison possible across the country. Setting: 429 districts of all provinces of Iran, 2016. Participants: 18 635 salt intake measurements from individuals 25 years old and above who participated in the Iran STEPS 2016 survey. Results: All districts in Iran had a high prevalence of high salt intake. The estimated prevalence of high salt intake among females of all districts ranged between 72·68 % (95 % UI 58·48, 84·81) and 95·04 % (95 % UI 87·10, 100). Estimated prevalence for males ranged between 88·44 % (95 % UI 80·29, 96·15) and 98·64 % (95 % UI 94·97, 100). In all categorisations, males had a significantly higher prevalence of high salt intake. Among females, the population with the lower economic status had a higher salt consumption than the participants with higher economic status by investigating the concentration index. Conclusions: Findings of this study highlight the high salt intake as a prominent risk factor in all Iran regions, despite some variations in different scales. More suitable population-wide policies are warranted to handle this public health issue in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regarding the importance of the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and higher consumption of salt among the Iranian population than the level recommended by the World Health Organization, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the salt mentioned in the traffic light labelling of nuts and seeds. Study Design: A cross-sectional study., Methods: A total of 53 packaged nuts and seeds, including 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, and 10 samples of pumpkin, pistachios, almond, sunflower, peanut, and watermelon nuts and seeds, respectively, with traffic light labelling, were randomly purchased from several local markets in Isfahan, Iran. The amount of sodium was measured by the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy technique and then multiplied by 2.5 to achieve the amount of salt., Results: Varying levels of traffic light labeling value accuracy were observed in most of the samples. In the almond, pistachio, peanut, and watermelon groups, the average amount of laboratory value had a statistically significant difference with the label value ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the salt content of 82% of the studied samples had discrepancies with the values stated on the traffic light labelling. The presentation of an accurate amount of salt content is essential for promoting healthy eating habits and enabling individuals to make informed choices about their diet. It is recommended that regulatory authorities should review labelling guidelines and enforce stricter compliance to ensure accurate representation of salt content on packaged foods., (© 2024 The Author(s); Published by Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.)

Despite all recent treatment advances and the worldwide decline in the incidence rate, gastric cancer (GC) remains an ongoing global health challenge and one of the major leading causes of cancer-specific deaths, particularly in high-incidence regions including Iran. Since GC is often diagnosed in advanced stages, the best action may be to enable early diagnosis of the disease or even prevent it in the first place through identification and control of the underlying risk factors. Endoscopy, as the gold standard method, is both expensive and invasive, making it an unfavorable device in this regard. Therefore, it is crucial to implement a reliable region-specific screening and surveillance program to identify high-risk individuals with more efficient screening modalities. Here, in addition to a review of current GC knowledge, we presented the data of newly-established Population-based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) in Iran. Our assessment confirmed earlier reports of a very high GC incidence rate in the northwestern and northern provinces of Iran, most notably Ardabil. Along with the important role of conventional risk factors such as Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and high dietary intake of salt, of more interest, we highlighted new region-specific risk factors, namely hookah, and opium. In conclusion, it seems the best results in reducing GC incidence and mortality rates on larger scales arise from modifying behavioral and environmental risk factors and advancing genetic and molecular biomarkers in order to supersede endoscopy. Regular endoscopic screening and antibiotic chemoprophylaxis against HP are still more appropriate in high-risk groups with specified criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) is commonly grown in water deficit and saline regions of the world, as well as in Iran. The current study aims to assess the morphological, nutritional and physiological responses of four almond cultivars (ʻTalkhʼ, ʻNonpareilʼ, ʻAzarʼ and ʻSanghiʼ) to salinity stress. Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions and irrigated with modified Hoagland solution containing of 0, 25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl for 90 days. The experimental design was factorial based on CRD. Increasing in the salinity concentration was accompanied on more leaf Na concentration and depression in K concentration in all of the cultivars, although Na+ and K+ accumulation pattern was different between cultivars. Nonpareil and Sanghi maintained better growth in salinity condition, and also nutrient concentration such as Ca, Mg and K decreased lesser, moreover antioxidant enzyme activity like APX, SOD, GR and CAT heightened more in Nonpareil and Sanghi than Talkh and Azar. According to these findings, we concluded that Nonpareil and Sanghi are more tolerant than Talkh and Azar to salinity stress, respectively. In conclusion, we deduced that characteristics such as antioxidant enzymes and macronutrients concentration might be beneficial for assessment and screening of almond cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aghbolaq skarn deposit is located in the Urumieh‐Golpayegan plutonic belt, NW Iran. The garnetite skarn (stage I) has been intensely cross‐cut by the magnetite‐garnet skarn (stage II) which were, in turn, cut and offset by the ore‐hosting quartz veins/veinlets (stage III). The predominance of andradite (Adr82.5–89.1) and its high Fe3+/Al ratio (up to 1685) apparently supports the high fO2, salinity and prevalence of magmatic/hydrothermal fluids involved, rather than meteoric waters, during the magnetite‐garnet skarn formation. Two major groups of fluid inclusions, namely aqueous (LV, LVS) and aqueous–carbonic (LVC, LLCVC), were recognized in garnet and quartz veins that, especially in growth zones and along intra‐granular trails, better display fluid inclusion assemblages (FIAs) than those in clusters. The prograde magnetite‐garnet skarn was formed by the metasomatic fluid at relatively high Th (209–374°C), under a lithostatic pressure of ∼200 bars. The retrograde mineralized quartz veins were formed at temperatures ranging from 124°C to 256°C, by dilute and less saline (2.57–11.93 wt% NaCl eq.) hydrothermal fluids under a hydrostatic pressure of ∼80 bars. The fluid evolution of the Aghbolaq skarn began with an earlier simple cooling of metasomatic fluid during the prograde stage, followed by the later influx of low salinity meteoric fluids during the retrograde stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linguatula is a food born zoonotic parasite in which carnivores and herbivores serve as final and intermediate hosts, respectively. Human infection with Linguatula spp. occurs following consumption of raw or undercooked infected internal organs of the intermediate host and/or consumption of water and/or vegetables contaminated with eggs released from final hosts. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and risk factors of Linguatula spp. in sheep, cattle, buffalo, goats and camels slaughtered at the Tabriz abattoir, Iran. In addition, effect of temperature and sodium chloride (NaCl) on survival time of Linguatula spp. nymphs was assessed. For this purpose, 25,520 mesenteric lymph nodes from 2552 animals and the livers and lungs from 656 animals were collected randomly and examined. To evaluate the effect of temperature and NaCl on the survival of Linguatula spp. nymphs in infected livers and lungs, 30 g of each liver and lung with dimensions of 2 × 3 × 4 cm, were exposed to temperatures of −20, 10, 50, 60 and 72 °C and NaCl concentrations of 5 %, 10 %, 15 % and 20 % for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, in triplicate. Based on the mesenteric lymph nodes, 25.7 % (656 of 2552 animals) were infected with Linguatula spp. Of the 656 liver and lungs assessed, 141 (21.5 %) and 62 (9.5 %) were infected with Linguatula spp., respectively. The rate of infection of mesenteric lymph nodes in all animals was significant with age (P < 0.05), with more older animals infected. In regards to sex, except for camels, more female animals were infected than male animals (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in survival of nymphs based on temperature and/or NaCl and time (P < 0.0001). At 72 h, all temperatures assessed except 10 °C, resulted in all nymphs being inactivated. Sodium chloride was more effective against Linguatula spp. nymphs in livers than in lungs with 100 % efficacy only achieved against nymphs in livers at 20 % concentration after 48 h and at 10 and 15 % concentration after 72 h. Based on these results, heating and application of common salt as a food preservative in meat products reduces the survival time of Linguatula spp. nymphs and their use could decrease the risk of food-born microorganisms. • Lymph nodes from 2552 animals and livers and lungs from 656 animals were evaluated. • Linguatula spp. was found in the lymph nodes (25.7 %), liver (21.5 %) and lungs (9.5 %) of the animals. • Application of heat or salt could decrease risk of human infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt caves occur mostly in hyperarid and arid climates and are typically a few thousand years old. There is little data on the evolution of salt caves in semiarid climates, and no data on caves developed in salt glaciers, i.e., salt masses spreading under their own weight, similar to ice glaciers. The age of salt caves and the incision rates of cave streams were studied on a salt glacier of the Jahani diapir in a semiarid climate, Zagros Mts., Iran. Wood fragments from 3 caves sampled 0–11.3 m above the present streambed were dated by AMS 14C. The cave passages accessible today were developed during the last ~600 years at the Jahani. The cave level 5–6 m above the present streambed was formed 1520–1660 CE or slightly earlier, then the stream incised upward and reached its highest level between 1690 and 1920 CE or slightly earlier. Then, the downward incision started. This indicates that caves in semiarid climates evolve extremely rapidly. The maximum vertical incision rate of the cave stream on the semiarid Jahani diapir is 20–110 mm/yr, which is faster than 0.4–25 mm/yr in caves in hyperarid climates. The incision rate of the cave stream at the Jahani exceeds the denudation rate of the thick cap soil surface, being comparable to the denudation rate of salt exposures. The persistence of the steep longitudinal profiles of the integrated salt caves at the Jahani is probably caused by the transport of very coarse sediment. Aggradation was probably caused either by blocking of cave passages by earthquakes or by more intense erosion of the cap soil. The salt glacier at the Jahani is moving slowly (<10 mm/yr); claims that this glacier is the fastest on Earth (velocity in the range of m/yr) are based on a study that did not follow geodetic standards and are in strong disagreement with the age of the caves and other lines of evidence. [Display omitted] • Halite caves in semiarid climate evolve in few hundred years. • Caves consumed by rapidly denudated salt surfaces. • Steep streambed gradients caused by coarse gravel transport. • Extreme movement rates of Jahani salt glacier (meters per year) disputed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt diapirs in southern Iran provide excellent exposures of the host rock sedimentary sequences that record salt diapiric growth in compressional settings. This study addresses the reactivation of one particular diapir in the core of an anticline of the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt (ZFTB) using the classical concept of halokinetic sequences. These sequences reflect the relative rise of the salt diapirs with respect to the depositional rate of the sediments in their surroundings. The resulting reconstruction indicates irregular deposition of the total eight sets of host rock sedimentary packages around the diapir during the Oligocene-Miocene that developed in response to the progressive rise of the host anticline. Folding of host rocks was associated with vertical movement of blocks bounded by cross-faults radiating from the boundary of the diapir, specifically around the triangular indenter on the north, deflecting the anticline to a southward advancing salient. The halokinetic sequences record an early stage of diapiric rise in the rhythmic alternation of gypsum and fossiliferous carbonate with siliciclastic material followed by fossiliferous limestone typical for lagoonal to slope environment in a limestone reef setting. The last stage is associated with thin-skinned tectonics of the uppermost halokinetic sequences thrust towards the diapir. Rapid thickness change of the halokinetic strata along the periphery of the diapir in the southern sector that includes also the crestal region of the anticline indicates compressional reactivation of the structure as early as 11 Ma (Gachsaran Formation), likely associated with salt overflow in the anticline crestal region, where the adjacent halokinetic sequences are completely overturned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Middle Cambrian is the oldest and the most accurate time for initiation of salt diaprisim in Zagros. • Extensional basement faults act as major factors for primary movement of salt into salt walls. • Precursor salt walls led to development of main structural trends in Zagros. • Squeezing of the salt walls stems during the Zagros orogeny turn welded salt walls to thrust welds. In salt-bearing foreland fold-thrust belts, precursor salt structures affect deformation and accommodate fault zones during orogenic shortening. The complex structure and the halokinetic history of these belts, including the spatiotemporal relationship between diapirism and thrust faulting, have yet to be fully understood. The well-exposed Ediacaran–Early Cambrian Hormuz salt diapirs and the Cambrian–Pliocene overburden stratigraphic sequences along the High Zagros Fault (HZF) in Iran are interesting examples in this regard. The detailed field investigation of the diapirs, the halokinetic deformations, and the thickness variations of the sedimentary units toward the flanks of eight salt structures along the fault show that the first movement of the Hormuz salt could be as old as the Middle Cambrian, occurring long before the initiation of regional folding in the early Miocene. This marks the first field-based and the oldest proposed time for the onset of Hormuz salt diapirism in the Zagros fold-thrust belt. Our field and remote-sensing mapping show the presence of precursor linear salt structures like salt walls. The Hormuz salt diapirs likely began to rise as elongated salt walls above extensional basement faults coeval with the Neo-Tethyan rifting in Early Mesozoic. The squeezing of the salt walls during Zagros shortening from Miocene resulted in the partial accommodation of the HZF as thrust welds. This spatiotemporal evolution, showing the interplay between salt diapirism and late thrusting, can be considered as an analog for other fold-and-thrust belts with pre-orogenic diapiric systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity negatively affects growth of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and their sulfate production ability, meanwhile decreases the available sulfate for plants in soil. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the bacteria of genus Halothiobacillus, as a salt-tolerant SOB, from saline and sulfidic habitats of Iran for the first time and evaluating the effect of salinity on their biomass and sulfate production during the oxidation of different sulfur sources. Isolation process and surveying the morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene analysis resulted into identification of three species (eight strains) of Halothiobacillus genus including H. neapolitanus, H. hydrothermalis and H. halophilus. Salinity (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 M NaCl) had a significant impact (p ≤ 0.01) on bacterial biomass and sulfate production during the oxidation of thiosulfate and elemental sulfur. Biomass and sulfate production by strains was accompanied by a decrease in residual content of thiosulfate (RCT) in medium. The amount of produced biomass and sulfate in medium supplemented by thiosulfate was much higher than elemental sulfur. The highest amount of biomass and sulfate was produced by H. neapolitanus strain I19 at 0.5 and 1 M NaCl concentration. The results of this study could be the first step to focus on the application of these bacteria to increase sulfate storage of saline soils and crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We define the geometric and kinematic characteristics of the fault activated during the 10 September 2008 Qeshm earthquake, from the joint inversion of three InSAR observation sets (L-band, C-band, and X-band) and permanent displacement obtained from strong ground motion data. Our best-fit solution for the mainshock is represented by a reverse fault with a left-lateral component, dipping 54°SE with a maximum slip of ~200 cm at the centre of fault. The more realistic surface movements in three directions are extracted from the modelled displacements too. The fault investigated in this study affected the sedimentary cover approximately at a depth of Hormoz salt while it does not reach the basement and surface. The Hormoz salt and Gurpi formations have a vital role as a barrier against slip. Coulomb stress changes suggest that this faulting originates the vertical growth of the Laft anticline with no effect on the Ramkan syncline. Our findings show a significant relationship between this earthquake and the annual continental convergence in NE direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a direct association between salt intake and blood pressure (BP), one of the main risk factors for CVDs. However, yet there has been a debate that how strong is this association in people with and without hypertension. This study was conducted to evaluate the magnitude of the association between salt intake and BP in hypertensive and normotensive population among a nationally representative population. Methods: The study was conducted on a nationally representative sample of 18,635 Iranian adults aged 25 years and older who participated in the STEPS survey 2016 and provided urine sample. Salt intake was estimated through spot urine sample and Tanaka equation. Multiple linear regression model in survey data analysis was used to assess the independent effect of salt intake on BP. Results: After adjusting for covariates, there was a significant association between salt intake and SBP in hypertensive (p < 0.001) and normotensive people (p < 0.001). In hypertensive people, with 1 g of increase in salt intake, the SBP and DBP increased 0.37 mmHg and 0.07 mmHg, respectively. Whereas in normotensive people, with 1 g of increase in salt intake, the SBP and DBP increased 0.26 mmHg and 0.05 mmHg, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant trend toward an increase of SBP across salt intake quartiles in both hypertensive (p < 0.001) and normotensive people (p = 0.002), though the slope was steeper in hypertensive than in normotensive people. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that salt intake significantly increased SBP in both hypertensive and normotensive people, though the magnitude of this increase was greater in hypertensive people as compared with normotensive people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Increased dietary salt content is one of the effective factors of hypertension and a major public health challenge globally. Although the positive effects of dietary salt reduction on health are universally accepted, people can hardly reduce their salt intake. The purpose of this study is to identify the inhibitory factors of dietary salt reduction among 20–65-year-old women in Yazd City, Iran. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted using a deductive content analysis approach based on the communication for the behavioral impact (COMBI) framework. The purposeful sampling method was applied with maximum variation in terms of different educational levels, age groups, occupational status and residential areas to select the participants. Snowball sampling was used to select health-care professionals. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions were conducted with 31 local women and 11 health-care professionals working in the City until data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Landsman's method. Findings: After data analysis, 617 initial codes were extracted over the perceived barriers. After merging similar codes, 223 codes were extracted. The barriers were classified into five main categories of family, personal, organizational, educational and socio-cultural barriers. Originality/value: Based on the COMBI framework, the results demonstrated that the most important barriers for reducing salt intake were negative attitude toward restrictions on dietary salt intake, insufficient and incorrect beliefs about the health risk of salt, lack of family support, inadequate health literacy and low self-efficacy in Yazd City. Among these barriers, lack of family support was considered as the most effective factor in reducing salt consumption. So, by focusing on this area and providing the community with the required education, the amount of salt consumed by families can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural elemental impurities are recognized as a threat for safety and quality of edible salt and have adverse effects on public health. In the current study, fifty samples of packages containing 1 kg of salt from 25 different brands were collected from retailers in Semnan city (Iran). The concentrations of main impurities of edible salt including magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulphate (SO4-2) ions were quantified by the aid of an Ion Chromatography with conductivity detector. According to findings, the maximum concentrations of Mg, Ca, and SO4-2 ions in salt samples were 0.067, 0.226, and 0.888 % w/w (dry matter basis), respectively. In addition, the concentration of Mg in 16%, Ca in 4%, and SO4-2 in 28% of samples suppressed the acceptable limit proposed by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI) (0.15% for Ca, 0.03% for Mg, and 0.46% for SO4-2). Moreover, the maximum and minimum levels of purity in the salt samples were recorded as 99.940 and 97.730%, respectively. Moreover, the purity in 12% of the investigated samples was lower than that of the minimum acceptable limit suggested by ISIRI, while the purity of 97% samples met the acceptable Codex Alimentarius limit (97% Min). Based on results of the current investigation, the routine purification processes used in some factories of Iran did not reduce impurities. Hence, purification process bedsides constant monitoring and safety management should be improved to promote the health quality of edible salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkanes in Awaz-Banguistan crude oil from an oil field in southwestern Iran were simulated without considering asphaltene. At 40 °C and 60 °C, and pressure ranges of 3. 0 - 8. 5 MPa and 3.0-9.5 MPa, the interfacial tensions between mixed alkane and CO2 saturated by NaCl solution were measured by combining the traditional high-pressure pendant drop method and advanced computer image processing software. The corresponding minimum mixing pressure (MMP) was obtained by extrapolation. The feasibility of the method was successfully verified and the experimental results were discussed by comparing with literatures. The analysis are mainly carried out from two factors that affect the change trend of interfacial tension with pressure, i.e. crude oil composition and temperature. It is concluded that low carbon n-alkanes can accelerate the decrease of interfacial tension with pressure, and the formation of pressure key points is caused by comprehensive factors affecting interfacial tension at high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated on the hydrochemistry and salt-fresh mixing of the groundwater in the aquifers nearby Sirjan salt playa near Sirjan city, Kerman province, Iran. Therefore, 62 groundwater samples were collected from Sirjan salt playa, Kheyrabad plain, Chahderaz plain and Golgohar mining area. Chemical diagrams, ion ratios, statistical method and mixing applied to hydochemical investigation. The water samples were then categorised into four water types; i.e. NaCl, Na-Ca-Cl, Na-SO4 and Ca-HCO3. The presence of salt playa in the area has led to the phenomenon of mixing between saline and freshwater. Saltwater intrusion occurred from 0.01 to 29% in the groundwater and it destroyed the quality of groundwater in the study area. Most percentages of intrusion were seen in Golgohar mine area and which is due to overexploitation of groundwater by dewatering process in the pit, where the saltwater intrudes from hard rock aquifer by upconing phenomena. Results showed that the actual concentrations of Na+ are less than expected concentrations; while for Mg2+ and Ca2+ their actual concentrations have been increased versus expected concentrations and it suggests cation exchange of Na+ by Mg2+ and Ca2+ in the aquifers of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although increasing salt intake is associated with greater odds of obesity, little is known about its relationship with body fat. We investigated the relation of urinary sodium (UNa) with obesity indices, including Clínica Universidad de Navarra--Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), a body shape index (ABSI), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Materials and Methods: A total of 508 free-living adults aged ≥ 19 years were selected through stratified multistage random method as a representative of general population from central parts of Iran and were included in this cross-sectional study. Dietary sodium intake was measured using 24-h UNa (24-UNa) excretion. Weight, height, and WC were measured using standard protocols and calibrated equipment and used to measure obesity indicators, including BMI, WHtR, ABSI, and CUN-BAE. Adjusted univariate multiple logistic regression was used to assess the risk of having greater obesity measures across the tertiles of 24-UNa. Results: Individuals in the top tertile of 24-UNa in comparison with those in the first tertile had greater body weight (72.02 ± 1.00 vs. 66.02 ± 0.89 kg; P < 0.0001), BMI (26.14 ± 0.33 vs. 24.82 ± 0.29 kg/m²; P = 0.007), and CUN-BAE (29.89 ± 0.42 vs. 28.38 ± 0.78; P = 0.036). There was a trend toward an increment in WC by increasing sodium intake (P = 0.073). After controlling for potential confounders, individuals with greater sodium consumption had greater chance for overweight (odds ratio [OR]: 1.004, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001--1.007; P = 0.015), abdominal obesity (OR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.00--1.008; P = 0.031), and more body fat (OR: 1.007, 95% CI: 1.003--1.01; P = 0.001). No significant association was found for sodium and WHtR and ABSI. Conclusion: Greater 24-UNa excretion was associated with greater means of body weight, BMI, WC, and CUN-BAE. Although changes in obesity indices per each additional 24-UNa excretion were small, our findings are relevant because of the rising obesity epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hypertension and its complications are among the major health problems all over the world, particularly in developing countries. The aims of this study were to show that, weather the hypertensive patients follow the expertise recommendations and differences between men and women in their levels of knowledge and behavior in salt taking. Methods. The present cross-sectional study was conducted among all hypertensive patients in rural health centers of Tabriz, Iran, in Feb–May; 2016. Data were collected by an interviewer-administrated questionnaire, along with anthropometric, blood pressure, and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion measurements. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to compute adjusted odds ratio (OR). Results. In all 205 patients, 62.9% female, 40.5% aged over 60 years, and 53.7% with low or moderate socioeconomic status, 49.3% body mass index (BMI) 30 kg/m2 and above, 10.2% of the patients had systolic/diastolic equal and above (≥) 40/90 mmHg, participated in the study. In total, 16.6% were aware of the daily salt allowance for healthy people with sex difference (P < 0.001). Significant predictors of adding salt beyond the dietary recommendations in food preparation were occupation (unemployed) (OR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.041–15.78, (P = 0.044)) and blood pressure level (systolic/diastolic ≥140/90) (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.28–5.96 (P = 0.010)), while adding salt at the table correlated with sex (men) (OR = 4.47, 95% CI = 1.21–16.57 (P = 0.025)), age (54–59) (OR = 0.05 95% CI = 0.01–0.39, (P = 0.005)), and knowledge (general) (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.99–1.13 (P = 0.05)). Conclusion. The different pattern of salt intake was observed between men and women. In general, the amount of salt taken by hypertensive patients is higher than recommended allowances. Both men and women add extra amount of salt to food, women when preparing food and men at the table. Salt intake level both during preparing and eating food may be associated with occupation (unemployed), blood pressure level (systolic/diastolic ≥140/90), sex (men), age (54–59), and also patient knowledge (general). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The most important problem in the production of recombinant proteins in prokaryotic cells is the disruption of the function of these proteins due to their altered natural structure. The aim of present study is to identify the best chemicals dialysis buffer additives in order to improve the protein structure of recombinant Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Methods & Materials In this experimental study, different chemicals additives were selected using relevant software. After adding these additives to the recombinant VEGF dialysis buffer, their effect on the refolding of recombinant proteins and the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells was assessed by flow cytometry method. Ethical Considerations This study obtained its ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: ARAKMU. REC.1394.199). Results : The results showed that the addition of arginine, cysteine and dithiothreitol (DTT) to dialysis buffer increases the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells. With the presence of sodium chloride (NaCl), cysteine, arginine and DTT in treated cells, the rate of specific Cluster Differentiation (CD) markers of endothelial cell (CD31/144) was at the highest level. Conclusion Adding cysteine, arginine, DTT and NaCl to the dialysis buffer of recombinant VEGF had the greatest effect on the mesenchymal cell differentiation into endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lake Urmia brine and SC investigated under natural condition and lab simulation. • NaCl was the dominant mineral along with MgCl 2 and Na-K-SO 4 in the natural SCs. • The absence of MgCl 2 from DSSCs was related to their re-dissolution during 2019. • Magnesium sulfate minerals were the latest minerals to precipitate in the simulation ponds. • Sedimentation rate of 10–30 mm for 2019 was 33.3 to 100-fold of normal condition. Gradual desiccation of Lake Urmia (LU) in the northwest of Iran has led to catastrophic water loss by 2022 promoting the salt crust (SC) deposition on the lake bed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate 1) the effect of water level on the brine composition, 2) the effect of gradual lake desiccation on SC formation, mineralogy and stratification and 3) the SC formation and mineral precipitation in a lab-scale experiment. In 2019, brine and SC samples were collected in July and October, and analyzed for the prevailing ions and minerals. For the simulation experiment, brine samples were added in two vessels and the change in pH, ionic composition and SC evolution were investigated. The wet season brine type changed from Mg-Na-Cl to Na-Mg-Cl and remained unchanged throughout the dry season. In vessels, Mg2+ and Na+ became dominant ions in the surface and subsurface layers respectively, while Cl- remained roughly unchanged; and minerals gradually precipitated from the margins to the center of the vessels based on their solubility. Similar to the lake SCs, in the simulation vessels, halite dominated the SCs and bischofite (MgCl 2 ·6H 2 O) was detected in most of the vessels' layers. The formation of oldhamite (CaS) in both in the vessels and the lake SC indicated the prevalence of low oxygen conditions. In the simulation vessel, Calciolangbeinite (K 2 CaSO 4 (H 2 O) 4) was one of the first minerals to form along with halite, while Starkeyite (MgSO 4 ·(H 2 O) 4) and Kieserite (MgSO 4 ·(H 2 O)) were the latest minerals to precipitate. The absence of magnesium sulfate minerals under natural conditions in both newly formed SCs in 2019 and those dated back to 2005, suggested that if the lake level continues to drop, magnesium sulfate minerals will be the final product of the brine. The existence of a dark silicate layer within SC stratification helped to investigate the evaporate deposition at the early stages of SC formation and after the catastrophic shrink. Based in the precipitation of a new layer on top of the submerged SC samples during 2019, a sedimentation rate between 10 and 30 mm/y is calculated with NaCl and CaS as major precipitants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of diapirs crop out along the eastern Fars region. They are constituted by the Pre-Cambrian to Early Cambrian Hormuz Fm. and located in the transition from the frontal structures of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt and the Oman Ranges. While, in different previous works about the Persian Gulf, off-shore diapirs the deformation history has been determined on the basis of subsurface data, onshore evidence for salt tectonics activity is often limited to post-Oligocene stratigraphic units and is significantly overprinted by shortening. The Darmadan diapir is one of the few salt structures where is possible to observe halokinetic sequences involving the pre-collision Mesozoic succession in the Fars region of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt. The objective of our study was to characterize on the base of field data, the stratigraphic and structural relationships between the Hormuz salt and its overburden in order to establish its temporal evolution. The Darmadan diapir is interpreted as a salt stock connected to a salt wall structure at depth evolving to a passive diapir, at least since Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous times. Expansional geometries toward the diapir reveal that primary welding was already occurred at the Albian time. The onset of contractional deformation in the internal part of the Zagros and Oman orogenic systems is recorded by the reactivation of the Darmadan diapir during the Late Cretaceous. The Darmadan diapir continued to be exposed during the Paleogene and was squeezed during the Neogene to recent Zagros deformation. Second-order contractional features and related growth geometries constrain the timing of the secondary welding during the early stages of the late Miocene Darmadan anticline development. The explained structure remarks that the present structural trends of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt in the eastern Fars region are the result of the reactivation of preexistent salt structures. • The Darmadan Hormuz salt structure initiated as a salt wall and developed into the exposed salt stock. • Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous halokinetic sequences show passive diapirism previous to the ophiolitic obduction. • Early squeezing and diapir flanks tilting during the Campanian-Maastrichtian. • Differential rates of down-building are controlled by a preexisting basement high at depth. • Secondary welding formed during the upper Miocene and development of related second order contractional features. • Darmadan anticline trend was controlled by a preexisting salt structure developed along a NE-SW extensional basement fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northeastern part of the Tabriz, Khaje area has been studied to determine the relationship between the orientation of local structures and regional tectonics, and the influence of both on salt deformation. All the pre-Pliocene sedimentary rocks in the area belong to the Miocene Upper Red Formation. Sandstones form most of the outcrops because the other main components of the formation, marl and gypsum, are easily eroded and therefore recessive. The small thickness of sedimentary rock overlying the salt layer indicates that buoyancy of the salt was not the main factor causing diapirism. Folds related to the main faults of the region have been formed as result of the compressive tectonic forces. Two compressive stress systems have operated in the study area. In the first one, the direction of principal stress was NE‒SW and the resulting geological structures have an approximate E‒W trend. This stress system also controlled the salt tectonics in the region. The principal stress in the second system was oriented NW‒SE and is responsible for the most recent structures. The stress systems also caused rapid salt movement. The Khaje diapir is characterized by a series of salt walls trending NW‒SE that has been caused by the first stress system. This diapirism was principally the result of compressive tectonic stresses and faulting, particularly related to the North Tabriz Fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geometric and stratigraphic characteristics of halokinetic sequences adjacent to the salt diapirs highlight the sedimentation response to variation in the rate of salt rise. The style of salt movement-sedimentation interaction and episodes of salt movement can be reconstructed by mapping these halokinetic sequences adjacent to the diapirs. Detailed interpretation of 2D seismic profiles adjacent to the Abu Musa salt diapir within the Persian Gulf Basin, offshore Iran, indicates that this diapir originated from the Miocene Fars salt, which created a central- and several ring-like peripheral-salt structures. Our results show that the evolution of the salt structures take place in three stages-mound, dome and post-dome- associated with sedimentation cycles periodically by passive and active rising to present. The pattern of these halokinetic sequences reveals that the Fars salt rose since Mid-Miocene coeval sedimentation of the Gachsaran Formation. The main mechanism of driving salt body has been the differential loading caused by down-building processes. • The Abu Musa salt diapir originated from the Miocene Fars salt. • Understanding of salt-sediment interaction is essential for exploration program. • The Abu Musa salt diapir grew by passive downbuilding. • The salt movement episodes are defined by halokinetic sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of the great Upper Gotvand Dam in the Karun River, Iran, with an impoundment capacity of 4.5 billion cubic meters, has resulted in an environmental disaster: accumulation of 66.5 million metric tonnes of dissolved salt in the reservoir and a dramatic increase in the salinity of the reservoir water up to 200 g/L. This paper aims to identify and assess the main sources of the salinization of the reservoir water integrating multiple data: (1) geological and geomorphological evidence; (2) continuous vertical records of electrical conductivity at 11 stations along the reservoir; (3) total dissolved solids and major ion concentrations of 108 water samples at 58 sampling stations; (4) δ18O, δ2H in 35 water samples and δ37Cl in 16 water samples from the reservoir and surrounding rivers and springs. Geological and geomorphological evidence, hydrogeochemical data and isotopic signature reveal that halite dissolution is the main cause of salinization in the Gotvand Reservoir. The results show that salt dissolution in the Gachsaran Formation (especially at Anbar Ridge), which was under-estimated in the study phase of the project, has provided about 86 per cent of the dissolved salt accumulated in the reservoir over a 2-year period since the impoundment of the reservoir in 2011. Image 1 • Significant salt has accumulated in the reservoir of the Gotvand Dam. • δ18O, δ2H and δ37Cl stable isotope techniques were used to identify salinity sources. • Main cause of the reservoir salinity is halite dissolution of an evaporite formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time of concentration (Tc) is one of the most contributing parameters for assessing the response of a catchment to rainfall events and estimating the peak flood in many hydrological models. The aim of this work was to evaluate 36 time of concentration equations based on Tc values obtained based on the salt dilution tracing approach. In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) was applied to identify the degree of similarity between all the Tc formulas and categorise them into several groups. The findings, based on seven sub-watersheds of the Meime river basin in Iran, demonstrate that the Picking, Pickering, DNOS, California and Kirpich-Ten equations provide reliable estimation of Tc; the average bias of these formulas was found to be in the range 2·6–15 min while, for all 36 equations, the bias was 2·6–132·8 min. Furthermore, based on CA, all Tc equations were categorised into four overall groups with the maximum similarity within the members of each group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate an education program based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for salt intake in individuals at risk of hypertension. This randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2017 to December 2017 in Shahediyeh, Yazd Province, Iran. For this purpose, 140 people were selected and assigned to two groups of 70 each, namely, intervention and control. Data were gathered by a self-administered TPB based questionnaire, and also 24-h urinary sodium and potassium levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. The intervention group received TPB based on a training package, while the control group received no intervention. Post-test was administered 2 months after completion of the intervention. Independent and paired t -tests, χ2 and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for data analysis. All mean scores on TPB constructs increased significantly except motivation to comply and power of control for intervention group. Average salt intake decreased in intervention group compared with the control group (−4.73 g/day ±0.73 versus −0.24 g/day ±0.94, P < 0.001), but systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly in intervention group compared with control group. TPB can be implemented along with other approaches in educational programs to reduce salt intake. Code: IRCT201701108803N3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The variations in the rate of salt rise is reflected in the sedimentary sequences adjacent to salt diapirs and provides insights into the style of salt movement-sedimentation interaction and the timing of halokinetic phases. Episodic movement of salt diapir is defined by wedge- and tabular-shaped salt-related sedimentary strata (halokinetic sequences) adjacent to the diapir. Detailed mapping of depositional strata on 2D seismic sections adjacent to salt diapirs on the Tonb-e-Bozorg Island (Persian Gulf, SW Iran) reveals the presence of a series of sedimentary sequences related to the halokinetic activity of two salt source layers, the Hormuz and Fars salts, respectively. The Hormuz salt deposited in the uppermost Proterozoic, mobilized in the Lower Paleozoic and then continued to move periodically to present and to create the deep salt structures in the Tonb-e-Bozorg region. The Fars salt deposited in the Lower Miocene and then started rising, and created the central salt structure, the Tonb-e-Bozorg Island, and several peripheral ring-like salt structures around the island. Our results reveal that both the salt layers within the Tonb-e-Bozorg region grew by downbuilding and continued to move periodically by passive and active diapirism to the present. Salt movement-sedimentation interaction during salt diapirism influences petroleum play and therefore is of interest in petroleum geoscience. Highlights • Understanding of salt-sediment interaction is essential for exploration programs. • The Tonb-e-Bozorg salt diapir grew by passive downbuilding. • The movement episodes of salt are defined by sedimentary strata. • Passive growth in the diapir is marked by withdrawal basins and unconformities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caspian Sea is the enormous source of saline water in northern Iran, which is a potential source for drinking water or for non-potable applications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop sustainable desalination methods. Microbial desalination cell (MDC) is an energy-efficient method for saline water desalination. In this study, the performance of single- and double-membrane MDCs were investigated in continuous operation mode flow. Experiments were carried out using water at different initial salt concentrations (5, 20, and 35 g/L). The single- and double-layer membrane MDCs produced a maximum electricity generation of 940 and 970 mV, respectively. However, maximum and minimum salt removing was 63.80% and 49.90% at 5 g/L of the single- and double-layer membrane, respectively. In addition, NaCl removal was increased by increasing hydrological retention time from 1 to 8 h. Moreover, the obtained result shows that recirculation of the catholyte on the anode and cathode increased the electricity generation at the end of the cycle. Totally, these results demonstrate the possibility of using this method as a safe and eco-friendly alternative for Caspian seawater desalination and power production by biodegradable organic matter and bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]