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The current study investigated the associations among trait perfectionism, worry about mistakes, mistake rumination, L2 anxiety, and willingness to communicate in adolescents. A key element was examining the psychometric properties of a new measure of worry about mistakes as well as the Mistake Rumination Scale and the short Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and its two dimensions (i.e., self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism). Our participants were 954 Iranian adolescent English learners. Psychometric tests supported the psychometric properties and use of the mistakes and perfectionism measures. Correlation analyses indicated that both trait perfectionism dimensions were associated with mistake rumination and worry about mistakes, and socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with L2 anxiety. However, self-oriented perfectionism was associated with greater willingness to communicate. Further analyses showed that worry about mistakes and mistake rumination mediated the association that socially prescribed perfectionism had with L2 anxiety. The vulnerabilities of adolescent perfectionists are discussed in terms of the approach-avoidance conflict as it relates to worry about mistakes and pressures to be perfect. It is evident that adolescents who are vulnerable must learn cognitive and emotional regulation techniques to effectively manage mistakes and the pressure to be perfect.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the relationship between EFL teachers' perception of the intended and unintended consequences of formative assessment (FA) decisions and their sense of self-efficacy and anxiety toward data-driven decision-making (DDDM). Design/methodology/approach: A correlational research design and correlational/regression analysis was utilized to conduct this study. In addition, a thematic analysis was conducted of participants' responses to the open-ended questions. Findings: Descriptive statistics suggest that most EFL teachers perceived both intended and unintended consequential validity of their FA decisions with a moderate level of DDDM self-efficacy and a low level of anxiety. The results of the correlational analysis indicated a strong positive relationship indicating that those with higher teachers' perceptions of consequential validity of formative assessment (TPCVFA) scores tended to report higher DDDM efficacy. The results of the correlational analysis also indicated that a significant relationship did not exist between TPCVFA scores and DDDM anxiety. Finally, multiple regression analyses revealed that TPCVFA was a significant predictor of DDDM efficacy; however, TPCVFA was not a significant predictor of DDDM anxiety. Originality/value: Data collected from 114 Iranian EFL teachers using the Data-Driven Decision-Making Efficacy and Anxiety Inventory (3D-MEA, Dunn et al. 2013a) and the TPCVFA questionnaire, which was self-developed and validated for the current study.

This study examines the relation between fear of victimization, types of victimization, and advocacy, adjusted for grade and gender on 834 students from 16 Iranian public middle schools. Multilevel linear modeling was used to explore relations between types of victimization and fear of victimization. The results showed that higher fear of victimization was associated with higher verbal, social, and cyber victimization, and higher peer advocacy. The cyber victimization experience had the most impact on fear of bullying victimization ([beta] = 0.15, P < 0.001). Also, higher teacher and peer advocacy were related to higher fear of bullying victimization ([beta] = 0.11, P < 0.001 for teacher advocacy and [beta] = 0.06, P < 0.05 for peer advocacy). Implications of these findings for school anti-bullying programs as well as directions for future research are discussed.

The current study investigated the associations among trait perfectionism, worry about mistakes, mistake rumination, L2 anxiety, and willingness to communicate in adolescents. A key element was examining the psychometric properties of a new measure of worry about mistakes as well as the Mistake Rumination Scale and the short Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and its two dimensions (i.e., self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism). Our participants were 954 Iranian adolescent English learners. Psychometric tests supported the psychometric properties and use of the mistakes and perfectionism measures. Correlation analyses indicated that both trait perfectionism dimensions were associated with mistake rumination and worry about mistakes, and socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with L2 anxiety. However, self-oriented perfectionism was associated with greater willingness to communicate. Further analyses showed that worry about mistakes and mistake rumination mediated the association that socially prescribed perfectionism had with L2 anxiety. The vulnerabilities of adolescent perfectionists are discussed in terms of the approach-avoidance conflict as it relates to worry about mistakes and pressures to be perfect. It is evident that adolescents who are vulnerable must learn cognitive and emotional regulation techniques to effectively manage mistakes and the pressure to be perfect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the translation process and assess the psychometric properties of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) in Persian, focusing on health care settings. The scale was translated using the "forward-backward" procedure. The BMMRS, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were completed by 200 undergraduate students of Qom University of Medical Sciences selected by using a multistage cluster sampling method. Convergent validity results demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between most dimensions of the BMMRS and spiritual well-being (p <.05). The negative association between the BMMRS and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (r = −.27 to −.48, p <.05) mostly supported divergent validity. The BMMRS had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of.81 for the total score and.41 to.81 for the subscales. The Persian version of the BMMRS appears to be a valid and reliable scale for assessing religious and spiritual dimensions among Iranian Muslims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal bird hunting in and around the Fereydunkenar International Wetland in Iran has a long history but one with serious ecological consequences. Such hunting has involved the mass killing of critically endangered species – such as Siberian cranes, white-headed ducks, geese, lapwings and wintering raptors – and has caused damage to regional ecosystems. The outcome has been described by conservationists and regional news commentators as a "bird genocide." This study addresses some of the significant problems created by the illegal bird market of Fereydunkenar and explores the reasons for both the actors' participation and the market's resilience. The paper draws on original fieldwork – data from qualitative, in-depth interviews with 21 participants actively involved in this bird market. Actors provided various justifications and explanations for their activities, such as food and income, the ineffectiveness of formal controls alongside the supportiveness of informal social norms, and the ability to create an enterprise and attract capital based on simple commodification of nature. The case study illuminates how a traditional practice and a narrowly-focused set of behaviors persist despite the impact of related cascade effects causing harm to ecosystems that push some species to the edge of extinction. The paper therefore serves as an interdisciplinary contribution to green criminology and conservation criminology, as well as to ecological sciences, more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, to explain illegal fishing, Agnew's Criminology of Climate Change Theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. The study was conducted using a survey methodology, and a questionnaire was used for collecting the data. The population of the study consisted of the villagers of Fereydonkenar, an Iranian city in Mazandaran province, from whom 400 people were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. The results of the study showed that about 53% (212) of the respondents had been fishing using illegal methods. The results of the structural equation modeling revealed that climate change perception and general strain had the greatest influence on illegal fishing. Also, climate change perception was found to influence illegal fishing by positively influencing the general strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colistin is the most significant last-line antibiotic for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, especially the Enterobacteriaceae family. The emergence and rapid spread of the plasmid-mediated resistance gene, mcr-1 (mobilized colistin resistance), in some isolates of Escherichia coli in recent years provoked public health concerns since it has been shown that mcr-1 with other resistance genes, such as ESBLs (extended-spectrum beta-lactamases) and carbapenemases, could be carried on a single plasmid concurrently. The excessive consumption of colistin, particularly in the livestock industry, and the transmission of these resistant bacteria from livestock to humans may potentially increase the risk of the spread of resistance in humans. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the prevalence of mcr and carbapenem resistance genes among neonatal calves in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. Methods: In the current study, 200 fecal samples from healthy and diarrheic neonatal calves (≤35 days old) were collected in Mashhad (190 E. coli strains were isolated). Antibiotic susceptibility to ceftazidime, cefepime, cefixime, meropenem, colistin, and ciprofloxacin was examined. The double-disk diffusion method (ceftazidime + ceftazidime/clavulanic acid) was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) media to phenotypically distinguish the ESBL producers. Afterward, the Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to detect colistin resistance genes (mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr5), NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1), and OXA-48 as carbapenemases. Results: The results of the resistance rate to antibiotics were cefepime, ceftazidime, cefixime, meropenem, and colistin. Based on the findings, 33.7% were phenotypically ESBL producers, 4.21% harbored mcr-1, and no NDM1 or OXA-48 was detected. Among the mcr-1-positive isolates, 5 strains showed the ESBL phenotype. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for continued monitoring of antibiotic resistance in livestock and the potential for transmission to humans. The findings also underscore the importance of responsible antibiotic use in both human and animal health to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural sector is of crucial importance in Iran, especially in the Sistan region due to its role in foreign exchange generation and the regional economy. In this regard, input prices and the underpinning factors can significantly contribute to the sustainability of agricultural indices under various economic and environmental criteria. Sistan-va-Baluchistan province is one of the provinces with a high potential for agricultural production. It is the leading producer of most crops, including horticultural crops. Given the important economic role of this sector in this province, this research aimed to conduct an economic and environmental assessment of the factors influencing input prices with an emphasis on agricultural sustainability indices in Sistanva-Baluchistan province. Accordingly, the advanced gray technique (GRA) was applied for modeling under multi-attribute decision-making conditions for which 50 questionnaires were administered to farmers and experts separately. The results obtained from the experts showed that alternative 1 (total costs of the production factors) was ranked first with a score of 1 in terms of the gray relational rank. Alternative 2 (crop price fluctuations) was ranked second with a gray relational rank of 0.887. The final scores for gray relational ranks from the farmers' perspective put "guaranteed purchase of crops" in the first rank with a gray relational rank score of 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the presence of Hegel's philosophy in Iran from the nineteenth century to the present, this study discusses various interpretations and appropriations of Hegelian philosophy by Iranian activists, intellectuals, and academics in their quest for understanding and realizing modernity in Iran. The controversies around modernity, democratization, Islam, nationalism, and the role of Hegel's ideas and philosophy in the writings of liberal modernists, communist activists, religious intellectuals, academic scholars, and secular nationalist theoreticians will be discussed. The objective is to provide a general, as well as a detailed, perspective on the prominent, original, as well as understudied role Hegel has played in the intellectual history of Iran in its specific Islamic theologico-political predicament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fereydunkenar county hosts millions of migratory birds in the southern parts of the Caspian Sea in the second half of every year. Despite the global prevalence of environmental crime, there is still a dearth of large-scale, empirical analyses of environmental crime in the Middle East. This study compared two well-established criminological frameworks rooted in social learning (neutralization theory and differential association theory) to compare four environmental crimes in Iran: illegal bird hunting, fishing without a license, water pollution, and soil pollution. We surveyed male villagers (N = 400) in the county of Fereydunkenar, which is located in the Mazandaran Province of Iran and hosts millions of migratory birds every year. Variables from neutralization theory (condemnation of the condemners, denial of victim and injury, and appeal to higher loyalty) and differential association theory (frequency of differential association with family and friends, and intensity of differential association) were measured. Approximately 75% of respondents had engaged in illegal bird hunting and nearly 53% of respondents had engaged in fishing without a license. However, water and soil pollution behaviors among the respondents were at low levels. The independent variables explained ∼53, 20, and 18% of the variance in the variables of water/soil pollution, illegal bird hunting, and illegal fishing, respectively. The frequency of differential association with family and intensity of differential association had the largest influences on illegal bird hunting and illegal fishing. The intensity of differential association, appeal to higher loyalty, and condemnation of the condemners had significant positive effects on water and soil pollution behaviors. Based on our models, we concluded that, compared to neutralization variables, differential association variables had greater effects on numerous environmental crimes in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disrespect and abuse during health care is an emerging concept without a common and agreed definition that has not been sufficiently studied in Iran. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of disrespect and abuse during childbirth and its related factors in women hospitalized in the postpartum ward. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on postpartum women admitted to Ghods Hospital, Paveh, who met the inclusion criteria from April to September 2021. Data collection tools included a demographic and obstetric characteristic questionnaire and a checklist of disrespect and abuse during childbirth, which were completed immediately before discharge by 276 participants who were selected by available sampling. The delivery provider also completed the demographic characteristic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and univariate and multivariate linear regression tests. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results showed that all participants had experienced at least one type of abusive care, and the most common forms were non-consented care (100%) and neglect/abandonment (92.4%). Among the studied variables, only drug interventions during childbirth had a role in predicting disrespect and abuse during childbirth (P < 0.03). Conclusion: Due to the high level of disrespect and abuse during childbirth, it seems necessary to educate staff about respectful maternity care and increase supervision of respect for maternal rights, and plan to reduce midwifery interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal plastic-bottled water use is highly commodified, raising an array of cost and environmental concerns, and continues to grow globally. Studies in lower-income nations suggest safety as a primary motivation for such water purchases, but studies in high-income nations with greater relative affordability suggest it is more tied to socially situated consumer decisions like status and aesthetics. Here, we consider what motivates bottled water use in an urban city (Mashhad) in a middle-income predominantly Muslim country (Iran), where there is a likely intersection of safety (due to contamination), social norms, and status concerns. Surveys were collected with a random population-representative sample of resident adults from discrete households (n = 970). Structured equation modeling testing the relative effects on reported bottled water intentions and use shows that all these factors are shaping people's decisions. Both higher- and lower-income residents' responses suggest that status and social norms considerably influence intentions to use. Overall, even despite real safety issues with tap water, social norms and status concerns seem to weigh more heavily on residents' decisions to drink bottled water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the antibacterial resistance profile of Aeromonas hydrophila (n = 42) isolated from the 100 hemorrhagic septicemia‐suspected carp in Gilan, Iran. The prevalence of class 1 and 2 integrons, antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) and virulence factor genes (VFG) among these isolates was investigated using PCR. Also, the possible association between the presence of VFGs and the antibiotic resistance profile of isolates was assessed. The majority of A. hydrophila isolates (83·33%) exhibited multi‐drug resistance (MDR) profile, and all isolates were resistant to clindamycin, while all isolates were susceptible to amikacin. intI1 and intI2 gene was found in 26·2 and 4·8% isolates, respectively. This is the first report of the presence of the intI2 gene in A. hydrophila isolates in Iran. The blaTEM (40·5%) and tetA (33·3%) genes were found as the predominant ARGs. The most frequently detected VFGs were lip and ahh1(90·5%), while the examined isolates carrying at least three VFGs and the most prevalent VFGs profile was ast+, act+, alt+, ahhl+, aerA+, ahyB+ and lip+. The results of this study indicate a positive association between the presence of VFGs and antibiotic resistance, and most MDR A. hydrophila isolates showed high frequencies of VFGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution is regarded as a major environmental crime in most countries; Iran is no exception. This study examines water and soil polluting behavior among villagers in Jimabad, Mashhad County—a rural area in the Razavi Khorasan province in the northeastern region of Iran. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 315 respondents in the population of the villagers of Jimabad. This article reports on the levels of water and soil polluting behavior among the respondents and the results are discussed in terms of techniques of neutralization, religiosity and cultural context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the increasing importance of social activities in sports, the aim of this study was to design a model of football social responsibility in Iran with a fuzzy cognitive mapping approach. For this purpose the data was collected by 13 in-depth interviews with experts in the field of football social studies in Iran selected through purposive and snowball sampling. By substantive and theoretical coding of interviews, the concepts of football social responsibility were identified and defined. The results showed football social responsibility in Iran includes 8 dimensions of moral, cultural, legal, socio-economic, transparency, benevolently, knowledge and socio-environmental responsibility. Examining the causal relationships between the blocks indicates that moral responsibility has the highest number of effective relationships. Also, the effect of moral responsibility on legal responsibility and transparency responsibility was more important than other relationships. Thus the concept of social responsibility of football can be considered from a broader perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic HIV program evaluation requires looking at all steps of the HIV cascade of care, from diagnosis to treatment outcomes. Our study was carried out to assess the treatment cascade of people living with HIV (PLWH) in Iran in 2019. We used data from the HIV Case Registry System of Iran through December 2019. We estimated the number of PLWH in 2019 by using Spectrum, and then the proportion of them being diagnosed, linked to care, received antiretroviral treatment and suppressed viral load. We estimated that there are 59,314 (UI: 32,685–125,636) PLWH in Iran, of whom 22,054 people (37% of PLWH) were diagnosed. At the end of 2019, of whom, 14,685 (25% of PLWH) people received antiretroviral therapy. Also, of whom 6338 (11% of PLWH) people had viral load suppression by 2019. Our results showed that about one-third of total PLWH were diagnosed, while this defect is somewhat less in children than adults. To reach the 90.90.90 targets Iran needs to developed the current national HIV care guidelines, which recommend best strategies to scale up the case finding and linkage to care among undiagnosed people specifically those who infected by sexual contact in general and key populations as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test-treat-retain cascade analysis, is a model to identify gaps at every stage of service delivery, and formulate potential solutions to enhance coverage of these services, as we aimed to carry out in the present study. Material and methods: In order to detect problems, develop solutions, and further prioritize them at different stages of HIV cascade, Fishbone analysis model (WHO 2018) was used. At first, an Excel file including 15 sheets was constructed, each sheet for a significant demographic data of sub-group covering all key populations. Within each sheet, cascade diagram for diagnostic services, connection to services, treatment, and suppression of viral load was demonstrated. Excel file was sent to 28 key persons. Participants were instructed to identify problems in each stage and list all probable reasons for every specific problem. These reasons were classified into six groups based on Fishbone model, including: 1) policies/guidelines; 2) service/program management; 3) human resources; 4) supplies; 5) services delivery methods; and 6) patient/client-related factors. Subsequently, participants were instructed to propose their potential solutions to address these obstacles. Finally, four key informants prioritized the problems and suggested solutions. Results: Analysis of the most important solutions (with 10-12 scores) proposed by key persons of the five groups, including the increase of society awareness, addressing the stigma of HIV disease in mass media, collaboration between politics and health parties to enhance society knowledge, expanding the treatment and counseling centers and facilities across the country, healthcare workers training to provide valid and reliable guidance and information to people who live with HIV, and refer them to designated centers for care, counseling, and treatment as well as appropriate patient detection, mapping procedure, and gathering precise statistics, and finally, employment of professional caregivers in counseling and testing centers. Conclusions: Based on the identified gaps, innovative strategies to improve HIV testing and early case detection, particularly for key populations, are critical to reach the 90-90-90 target of the UNIAID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the presence of the punishment mechanisms in Iran's criminal law to deal with illegal fishing, this crime remains a major problem in the country, threatening the sustainability of the targeted species and affecting the livelihoods of the communities that depend on it as a significant source of protein. Applying the lens of environmental criminology, specifically the routine activities approach, this research seeks to examine the major driving factors of illegal fishing in the Mazandaran Province in Iran. Data for this study were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to villagers in the city of Fereydunkenar. Using proportionated stratified random sampling, we collected data from 400 respondents on various variables designed to measure the routine activities constructs. Nearly 53% of respondents engaged in fishing without a license. Structural equation models indicate that the presence of a capable guardian, the presence of the economically motivated offender, and market demand had the greatest influence on illegal fishing. The market demand had significant direct effect on the economically motivated offender, who then engaged in illegal fishing. Policy implications are discussed in light of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift of CO 2 emissions responsibility from industrialized to developing nations during the last decade highlights the necessity of providing tailored energy planning tools, addressing data limitations, which leads to fostering sustainability efforts on a global scale. This study introduces a scenario-based energy system optimization model that examines the energy-water-emissions nexus within an electricity supply chain. Through a bottom-up method, a conceptual framework first qualitatively represents the interrelationships among the nexus, followed by mathematical formulations expanded explicitly. To evaluate the model's practicability, it is applied to Iran's electricity supply system as a case study. Beyond the business-as-usual scheme, two distinct scenarios are proposed to investigate a transition towards sustainable future pathways from 2020 to 2050. The optimal results reveal remarkable reductions in carbon intensity, water intensity, and primary energy factor of electricity supply under the low-carbon scenario. By 2050, these reductions average 58%, 16%, and 49% compared to the business-as-usual scheme. The less water-intensive scenario similarly witnesses substantial decreases of 43%, 74%, and 44% in the associated indicators. The findings confirm that improving energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy integration is pivotal in reshaping the system, reducing emissions and primary energy use. However, such measures alone do not guarantee reduced water consumption. Therefore, a hybrid index is devised, allowing for a nexus-based comparison of scenarios and facilitating overall sustainability assessment at the end of the planning horizon. [Display omitted] • Innovative nexus-based energy planning model for sustainable electricity supply. • Scenario-based ESOM to represent the integrated system via a bottom-up approach. • Energy planning platform tailored for data-scarce contexts in developing nations. • Subsidized fossil fuels impede sustainability goals in Iran's electricity sector. • Embracing energy-water nexus vital for arid regions, ensuring SDG7, SDG13 targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Weight disorders are highly prevalent at the global level. Vitamin B groups are clearly involved in intracellular mechanisms, energy equation, and weight gain. The present study aims to evaluate the association of dietary vitamin B intake and obesity in a large pediatric population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among children and adolescents, aged 6-18 years, living in urban and rural areas of 30 provinces of Iran. The BMI-for-age classifications were as follow: percentile <0.1, (emaciated), 0.1 ≤percentile <2.35 (thin), 2.35 ≤percentile ≤84.1 (normal), 84.1

This study investigates the relationship between crime and unemployment based on previous researches in Iran. It summarizes, using meta-analysis techniques, results from 20 studies concerning the unemployment/crime relationship. Coded studies and contextual features in the form of moderators have been used to explain the variation in research findings. The moderator of the different time periods compared the effects of unemployment on crime in periods before and after 2006. Significant links were found between unemployment and crime. Results of categorical moderators indicated that the effect of unemployment on crime after 2006 in Iran was more than that of unemployment on crime before 2006. Examination of the economic policies of the Khatami (1997–2005) and Ahmadinejad governments (2005–2013) explains the results of this study. The economic disorganization in the Ahmadinejad government brought about bankruptcy for production units as well as an increase in unemployment rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediator role of product innovation in the relationship between political and business ties (independent variables) and firm performance (dependent variable). Design/methodology/approach: In this study, research hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modeling method. Findings: The findings from 267 manufacturing companies in Iran show that business ties have an effect on firm performance through product innovation, while the role of innovation is not proved as a mediating variable in the relationships between political ties and firm performance. In addition, business ties have an effect on product innovation and firm performance, whereas political ties have no such effect. Practical implications: These results provide useful points for developing economies, theoretically and practically. Originality/value: Despite the increasing attention to the role of managerial ties (political and business ties) in improving product innovation and firm performance, there is no study conducted on the mediating role of product innovation in the relationship between managerial ties and firm performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate drug resistance patterns among Iranian people living with HIV who have taken antiretroviral therapy for 9–15 months. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2015 and May 2016. Two hundred fifty-two blood samples were collected from all eligible HIV-infected patients at fourteen healthcare settings, located in major provinces in Iran. The samples were examined for presence of drug resistance strains and viral load level. Moreover, a phylogenetic tree, using neighbor joining, was constructed and HIV subtypes were determined. Results: The most common subtypes were CRF35-AD (47.6%) and A1 (42.8%), followed by 45_CPX (4.8%) and C (4.8%). The resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and protease inhibitors was reported as 19.2, 19.2, and 10.3%, respectively. M184I/V mutation was the most frequent (31.6%) mutation among NRTI-based regimens. Moreover, K103E/N was the most frequent (34.2%) NNRTI mutation. Conclusions: This is the first study to illuminate the emergence of the CPX genotype among Iranian patients. The drug resistance rate of NNRTIs was similar to that of NRTIs. By assessing drug resistance, it is possible to evaluate the efficacy of treatment and patient adherence to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Cardiovascular diseases are viewed worldwide as one of the main causes of death. This study aims to report the burden of ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) in Iran by using data of the global burden of disease (GBD) study, 1990-2010. Materials and Methods: The GBD study 2010 was a systematic effort to provide comprehensive data to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for diseases and injuries in the world. Years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature mortality were computed on the basis of cause-of-death estimates, using Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm). Years lived with disability (YLDs) were assessed by the multiplication of prevalence, the disability weight for a sequel, and the duration of symptoms. A systematic review of published and unpublished data was performed to evaluate the distribution of diseases, and consequently prevalence estimates were calculated with a Bayesian meta-regression method (DisMod-MR). Data from population-based surveys were used for producing disability weights. Uncertainty from all inputs into the calculations of DALYs was disseminated by Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Results: The age-standardized IHDs DALY specified rate decreased 31.25% over 20 years from 1990 to 2010 [from 4720 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 4,341-5,099) to 3,245 (95% UI: 2,810-3,529) person-years per 100,000]. The decrease were 38.14% among women and 26.87% among men. The age-standardized IHDs death specefied rate decreased by 21.17% [from 222) 95% UI: 207-243 (to 175 (95% UI:152-190) person-years per 100,000] in both the sexes. The age-standardized YLL and YLD rates decreased 32.05% and 4.28%, respectively, in the above period. Conclusion: Despite decreasing age-standardized IHD of mortality, YLL, YLD, and DALY rates from 1990 to 2010, population growth and aging increased the global burden of IHD. YLL has decreased more than IHD deaths and YLD since 1990 but IHD mortality remains the greatest contributor to disease burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PCR can overcome the limitations of conventional detection methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate three primer pairs broadly used B4/B5, F4/R2 and JPF/JPR, for detection of Brucella by PCR, in human and animal serum samples and to determine analytic sensitivity of primers. Methods: Total of 68 serum samples were collected in acute phase of brucellosis. 10-fold serial dilutions were prepared from bacterial suspension and serum suspension using Brucella abortus S19. DNA was isolated using boiling. The best dilution from DNA was determined for PCR with three primer pairs. PCR was performed using primer pairs on all bacterial dilutions, serum dilutions, 1/200 dilutions and serum samples. Comparison of sensitivity between three primer pairs was performed with statistical analysis. Results: The best DNA dilution was 1/200. From 68 serum samples, 54 cases (79.41%), 44 cases (64.70%) and 35 cases (51.47%), were positive by PCR with B4/B5, F4/R2 and JPF/JPR respectively. B4/B5, F4/R2 and JPF/JPR were able to identify 9 × 102, 9 and 9 × 10 5 bacteria in 1ml of bacterial suspension and 9 × 10 4, 9 × 10 5 and 9 × 10 7 bacteria in 1ml of dilution 1/200 of Serum dilutions respectively. The differences between primers by statistical analysis were significant for human, animal and total samples. Conclusion: No band was observed in dilutions 1 of DNA isolated from serum. So, to decrease the effects of inhibitors, DNA was diluted. When DNA isolation is boiling, F4/R2 and B4/B5 have the greatest sensitivity for purified bacteria and serum in detection of Brucella respectively. DNA isolation by boiling can decrease the PCR costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study provides insights into factors affecting the adoption of mobile banking in Iran. Encouraging clients to use the cell-phone for banking affairs, and negative trends in the adoption of this technology makes it imperative to study the factors affecting the adoption of mobile banking. Accordingly, this study builds a comprehensive theoretical model explaining mobile banking adoption. By incorporating 361 bank clients in Iran, eight latent variables of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, need for interaction, perceived risk, perceived cost, compatibility with life style, perceived credibility and trust were examined. It was found that these constructs successfully explain adoption of mobile banking among Iranian clients. Adaptation with life style and trust were found to be the most significant antecedents explaining the adoption of mobile banking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Disturbed sleep is common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Exogenous melatonin has somniferous properties in normal subjects and can improve sleep quality (SQ) in several clinical conditions. Recent studies have shown that melatonin may play a role in improving sleep in patients undergoing dialysis. The goal of the present study was to assess the effect of exogenous melatonin administration on SQ improvement in daytime hemodialysis patients. Lipid profile and the required dose of erythropoietin (EPO) are also reported as secondary outcomes. In a 6-week randomized, double-blind cross-over clinical trial, 3 mg melatonin or placebo was administered to 68 patients at bedtime. A 72-h washout preceded the switch from melatonin to placebo, or vice versa. SQ was assessed by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Sixty.eight patients completed the study protocol and were included in the final analysis. Melatonin treatment significantly improved the global PSQI scores (P < 0.001), particularly subjective SQ (P < 0.001), sleep efficiency (P = 0.005) and sleep duration (P < 0.001). No differences in sleep latency and daytime sleepiness were observed. Melatonin also increased the high.density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P = 0.003). The need for EPO prescription decreased after melatonin treatment (P < 0.001). We conclude that melatonin can improve sleep in ESRD. The modest increase in HDL cholesterol and decrease in the EPO requirement are other benefits associated with this treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oil of Mentha piperita was analyzed by GC and GC-MS and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity against Dreschlera spicifera, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris and Macrophomina phaseolina. Thirty-five components have been identified in the essential oil of M. piperita. The major compounds identified in the oil were menthone (30.63%), menthol (25.16%), menthofuran (6.47%), β-phellandrene (5.59%), isomenthone (4.74%), menthol acetate (4.61%), pulegone (4.39%), β-caryophyllene (3.05%), neomenthol (2.83%), 1,8-cineole (2.15%). The antifungal assay was determined by agar dilution method with five concentrations of peppermint oil (up to 1600 ppm). The oil was found to be effective against these fungal pathogens under laboratory screening. The antifungal activities of the oil increased with an increase in the concentration. Minimum effective concentrations of the oil against fungal pathogens were also different. The fungistatic and fungicidal activity of the oil was determined. Results of fungistatic and fungicidal activities showed that peppermint oil in these concentrations have no fungicide activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study data from 17 years (1990–2006) were collected to determine energy intensive areas and evaluate energy parameters of Iran''s agronomy sector. All the direct and indirect inputs of energy for the production of 19 agricultural commodities were evaluated. The inputs and outputs were calculated by multiplying the amounts of inputs and outputs by their energy equivalents. The results indicated that total energy input increased from 32.40GJha−1 in 1990 to 37.20GJha−1 in 2006. At the same period, total output energy increased from 30.85 to 43.68GJha−1. The results show that irrigation with 40.0% and fertilizer (28.4%) had the highest share in energy consumption. The average net energy gain was a positive value; however, about 87% of the input energy emanates from non-renewable sources of energy. The mean energy ratio was estimated to be 1.07 and showed an increasing trend during the period rising from 0.95 in 1990 to 1.17 in 2006. This indicates that increased use of inputs ha−1 in production was accompanied by a larger increase in the output levels. It can be inferred from the results that improvements in irrigation and fertilizer application can significantly affect the energy efficiency of Iranian agriculture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Aim: Considering the fact that injecting drug is the most common way of HIV transmission and having the point in mind that in spite of syringes availability, many of the IDUs still continue sharing needles, determining behaviors which lead them not to use HR packages seems invaluable. Determining the influential factors in sharing needles among IDUs who are Kermanshah's DIC clients and are provided with training program and HR Packages (syringes, needles, bleaching and condoms). Materials and Methods: These subjects were studied in 2 steps. The first FGD (focus group discussions) and the second a cross sectional study. To gather data that we use a questionnaire based an FGG which includes: general characteristics, characteristics related to drug abuse and information about HIV. Results: out 437 of cases that took part in the interview, 367 cases were IDUS. Among whom 28% individuals shared needles. The medium age was 33/4 and there was no significant difference between the two age groups. Only 27% were married. 61% of cases were unemployed. The unemployment rate among IDUs who share needles and syringes was a lat more significant (p=000) than those who don't share needles (P=000). The percentage of IDUs who share needles and don't living houses was higher than of those who live in houses (P=000). Most of cases started taking drugs before they were 20 years old. Conclusion: Low Education degree unemployed, no married. Live in street, start IDUs in low age the period of referring to DIC were the most important factors for share needles injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this descriptive cross-sectional study carried out from March 2005 to March 2007, 410 congenital malformations were recorded among 61,112 live births in six general hospitals in different districts of Tehran. The overall incidence was 0.6% (0.69% in males and 0.62% in females) and the most affected system was the digestive system (40%), followed by the musculoskeletal system (20.5%), central nervous system (19.5%), genitourinary system(12.2%) and cardiovascular system(3%). It is essential that government organizations educate the population through scheduled preconceptional primary care visits on interventions like diet supplementation and avoidance of teratogenic agents, in order to decrease the rate of congenital malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the descending trends of gastric cancer in many parts of the world, its mortality rate has still remained high globally. Meat, red and processed meat in particular, may induce gastric carcinogenesis through potential mechanisms. However, the role of this dietary aspect in the risk of gastric cancer has not well been investigated so far. Therefore, we designed a study to assess the relation between meat consumption and the risk of gastric cancer in Golestan Province, a high-risk area for gastric malignancies in Iran. Methods: Subjects of this population-based case-control study included 190 histologically confirmed cases of gastric cancer and 647 controls. Meat consumption was evaluated using a 116-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A lifestyle questionnaire also collected data concerning demographic features, anthropometric measures, and other known risk factors of gastric cancer. We estimated crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relation between meat intake and gastric cancer. Results: After being adjusted for potential confounders, red meat intake was positively associated with gastric cancer which reached statistical significance (OR = 1.87, 95% Cl: 1.01-3.47, Ptrend = 0.07). On the other hand, individuals in the highest quartile of white meat consumption had a statistically significant reduced risk of gastric cancer compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR = 0.36, 95% Cl: 0.19-0.68, Ptrend = 0.005). Conclusions: We observed a positive association between red meat consumption and the risk of gastric cancer, and a reverse relationship regarding white meat intake and the risk of this malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the general population of Iran. The target population was all Iranian people aged 6 years and older in the country. A stratified random sampling design was used to select 28 314 people from among the individuals registered in the electronic health record systems used in primary health care in Iran. Venous blood was taken from each participant and tested for the IgG antibody against COVID-19. The prevalence of COVID-19 was estimated at provincial and national levels after adjusting for the measurement error of the laboratory test, non-response bias and sampling design. Of the 28 314 Iranians selected, 11 256 (39.75%) participated in the study. Of these, 5406 (48.0%) were male and 6851 (60.9%) lived in urban areas. The mean (standard deviation) participant age was 35.89 (18.61) years. The adjusted prevalence of COVID-19 until 20 August 2020 was estimated as 14.2% (95% uncertainty interval 13.3%–15.2%), which was equal to 11 958 346 (95% CI 11 211 011–12 746 776) individuals. The adjusted prevalences of infection were 14.6%, 13.8%, 16.6%, 11.7% and 19.4% among men, women, urban population, rural population and individuals aged 60 years or more, respectively. Ardabil, Golestan and Khuzestan provinces had the highest prevalence and Alborz, Hormozgan and Kerman provinces had the lowest. Based on the study results, a large proportion of the Iranian population had not yet been infected by COVID-19. The observance of hygienic principles and social restrictions should therefore continue until the majority of the population has been vaccinated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to assess the relationship between major dietary patterns and risk of diabetes type 2 among Iranian adults. Methods: In this population-based case-control study in Mazandaran province, we enrolled 332 subjects (110 newly diagnosed cases and 222 controls) aged 43 - 77 years. Dietary intakes were collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Data on demographic, anthropometric, socioeconomic characteristics and other covariates were collected using structured lifestyle questionnaires. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for risk of type 2 diabetes across quartiles of dietary pattern scores. Results: Three major dietary patterns were identified, including: "healthy", "transitional" and "traditional". A significant direct association was found between the transitional dietary pattern and risk of diabetes type 2 after adjustment of potential confounders (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.0, 4.50; Ptrend = 0.02). The traditional dietary pattern was significantly associated with the increased risk of diabetes type 2 after controlling for confounders (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.03, 4.41; Ptrend = 0.01). There was no significant relationship between healthy dietary pattern and risk of diabetes type 2. Conclusions: In conclusion, transitional dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of salt, organ meats, dried fruits, poultry, tea, low- fat dairy and other vegetables. Traditional dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of garlic, dough, high- fat dairy, dried fruits, red meats, grains, as well as animal and hydrogenated fats were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. No significant associations were found between the healthy dietary pattern and risk of diabetes type 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Early administration of HCQ reduced the odds of hospitalization by 38%. • Early administration of HCQ reduced the odds of death by 73%. • In resource-poor countries, HCQ may be still an option for mild COVID-19. The role of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in early outpatient management of mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) needs further investigation. This study was a multicenter, population-based national retrospective-cohort investigation of 28,759 adults with mild COVID-19 seen at the network of Comprehensive Healthcare Centers (CHC) between March and September 2020 throughout Iran. The baseline characteristics and outcome variables were extracted from the national integrated health system database. A total of 7295 (25.37%) patients who presented with mild COVID-19 within 3–7 days of symptoms onset received HCQ (400 mg twice daily on day 1 followed by 200 mg twice daily for the next four days and were then followed for 14 days). The main outcome measures were hospitalization or death for six months follow-up. COVID-19-related hospitalizations or deaths occurred in 523 (7.17%) and 27 (0.37%) respectively, in HCQ recipients and 2382 (11.10%) and 287 (1.34%) respectively, in non-recipients. The odds of hospitalization or death was reduced by 38% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–0.68, p = < 0.001) and 73% (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.18–0.41, p = < 0.001) in HCQ recipients and non-recipients. These effects were maintained after adjusting for age, comorbidities, and diagnostic modality. No serious HCQ-related adverse drug reactions were reported. In our large outpatient national cohort of adults with mild COVID-19 disease who were given HCQ early in the course of the disease, the odds of hospitalization or death was reduced significantly regardless of age or comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]