Tischeriidae (Lepidoptera) leafminers new to Iran, including Tischeria caucasica on Quercus: a sibling species of T. ekebladella or a case of clinal variation?

We record three Tischeriidae species new for Iran: Coptotriche gaunacella (Duponchel, 1843) from Tehran and Mazandaran provinces, Tischeria dodonaea Stainton, 1858 from East Azarbaijan province and T. caucasica Klasiński & Stonis, 2020, previously only known from Georgia. The larvae of T. caucasica were observed mining the leaves of planted trees of Quercus infectoria G. Olivier, Q. robur Linnaeus and Q. libani G. Olivier in Peykan Shahr, Tehran province; and on native trees of Q. castaneifolia C.A.Mey. and Q. macranthera Fisch. & C.A.Mey. ex Hohen. in East Azarbaijan, Gilan and Mazandaran provinces. This species was very abundant on planted oaks in Peykan Shahr, Tehran and the infestation increased progressively in the second generation of the moth in November and December. Tischeria caucasica is very similar to European T. ekebladella (Bjerkander, 1795) in external appearance and biology, both sharing the same DNA barcode. The only diagnostic character, in the male genitalia, are the spiny appendages of the juxta. We provide a brief diagnosis and describe the larvae, leafmines and pupae for the first time. We discuss whether the observed difference in the male genitalia supports separate specific status, or is the result of clinal variation of a single species.

Habitat Integrity in Protected Areas Threatened by LULC Changes and Fragmentation: A Case Study in Tehran Province, Iran

The integration and connection of habitats in protected areas (PAs) are essential for the survival of plant and animal species and attaining sustainable development. Investigating the integrity of PAs can be useful in developing connections among patches and decreasing the fragmentation of a habitat. The current study has analyzed spatial and temporal changes to habitat to quantify fragmentation and structural destruction in PAs in Tehran Province, Iran. To achieve this purpose, the trends in land use/land cover (LULC) changes and the quantitative metrics of the landscape ecology approach have been examined. The results revealed that in Lar National Park, low-density pasture has the top increasing trend with 4.2% from 1989 to 2019; in Jajrud PA, built-up has the top increasing trend with 1.5% during the studied years; and among the land uses in TangehVashi Natural Monument, bare land has the top increasing trend with 0.6% from 1989 to 2019. According to the findings, habitat fragmentation and patch numbers have expanded in the studied areas due to the development of economic and physical activities. The results also indicate that the current trend of habitat fragmentation in PAs will have the highest negative impacts, especially in decreasing habitat integrity, changing the structure of patterns and spatial elements, and increasing the edge effect of patches.

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever in the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study

In the COVID-19 pandemic, the overlap of clinical features between the other viral infections, make a reliable diagnosis difficult in the initial stage of illness. We describe the first confirmed case of CCHF in Tehran province during this year, who first misdiagnosed as COVID-19 infection.

A survey of prevalence and phenotypic and genotypic assessment of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus bacteria isolated from ready-to-eat food samples collected from Tehran Province, Iran

Background Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria are considered among the major causes of foodborne diseases. This survey aims to assess genotypic and phenotypic profiles of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus bacteria isolated from ready-to-eat food samples. Methods According to the previously reported prevalence of S. aureus in ready-to-eat food samples, a total of 415 ready-to-eat food samples were collected from Tehran province, Iran. S. aureus bacteria were identified using culture and biochemical tests. Besides, the phenotypic antibiotic resistance profile was determined by disk diffusion. In addition, the genotypic pattern of antibiotic resistance was determined using the PCR. Results A total of 64 out of 415 (15.42%) ready-to-eat food samples were contaminated with S. aureus. Grilled mushrooms and salad olivieh harbored the highest contamination rate of (30%), while salami samples harbored the lowest contamination rate of 3.33%. In addition, S. aureus bacteria harbored the highest prevalence of resistance to penicillin (85.93%), tetracycline (85.93%), gentamicin (73.43%), erythromycin (53.12%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (51.56%), and ciprofloxacin (50%). However, all isolates were resistant to at least four antibiotic agents. Accordingly, the prevalence of tetK (70.31%), blaZ (64.06%), aacA-D (57.81%), gyrA (50%), and ermA (39.06%) was higher than that of other detected antibiotic resistance genes. Besides, AacA-D + blaZ (48.43%), tetK + blaZ (46.87%), aacA-D + tetK (39.06%), aacA-D + gyrA (20.31%), and ermA + blaZ (20.31%) were the most frequently identified combined genotypic patterns of antibiotic resistance. Conclusion Ready-to-eat food samples may be sources of resistant S. aureus, which pose a hygienic threat in case of their consumption. However, further investigations are required to identify additional epidemiological features of S. aureus in ready-to-eat foods.

A Competency-Based Training Model for Red Crescent Rescuers and Relief Workers in Tehran, Iran

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to provide a competency-based training model for the Red Crescent rescuers and relief workers. METHODS: The present study was applied in terms of purpose and the required data were collected through mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative). In the qualitative section, the statistical population consisted of academic and organizational experts as well as experts in the field of education who were selected by purposeful sampling. Theoretical saturation was reached after interviews with 20 subjects. In the quantitative section, the statistical population consisted of all the rescuers and relief workers of the Red Crescent Society in Tehran province (335 people), Iran. The subjects were selected by stratified random sampling and surveyed using a researcher-made questionnaire that was scored based on a 5-point scale. FINDINGS: In this section, quantitative data analysis was performed in SPSS and SmartPLS3 software in two areas of analysis (descriptive and inferential) and interpretation of results. CONCLUSION: The results led to the identification of 25 components, 81 indicators, and 8 main dimensions of competency-based education. These dimensions include the educational environment (0.735), learners (0.623), execution of the educational program (0.615); competency needs assessment (0.563), educational design and planning (0.504), development of competency criteria (0.420), educational evaluation (0.397), and review and update of the educational process and program (0.341), in the order of priority.

The assessment of an extended set of socio-economic determinants to explain anxiety and uncertainty, insufficient quality, and food intake of Afghan refugees

Objectives: In this study, socio-economic factors associated with Afghan refugee households’ food insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty, insufficient quality, and food intake were determined. Design: Household Food Insecurity Assess Scale (HFIAS) measurement was applied to assess food insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty, insufficient quality, and insufficient food intake. Descriptive analysis and multivariabl regression models were used to determine the associated factors. Setting: The study was carried out in urban areas of Tehran province in Iran. Participants: To collect data, interviews were conducted among 317 Afghan households. The questionnaire was administered via face-to-face interviews to either the breadwinner of the selected households or a member who could respond on behalf of the household Results: About 11.3% of Afghan households who resettled in Tehran province were food secure, while 11.7% were marginally, 40.7% moderately, and 36.3% severely food insecure. Economic and financial factors were inversely and significantly associated with food insecurity. Employment, income, distance from the central market, and personal saving were inversely associated with food insecurity, while other determinants, including the length of living time in Tehran, house type, and the number of male and female children, had a direct association with food insecurity. Conclusions: The associations of socio-economic factors with three categories of food insecurity differed. Elimination of occupation bans that the Iranian government imposes on refugees provides simple access to financial supports like long-term loans, and opening a bank account for refugees will benefit both Iranians and refugees.

The Investigation of the relationship between age difference and life time with the factors of divorce among Iranian women (20-35) with their husbands in Tehran province

This prospective study was an attempt to examine the relationship between age difference and marital with divorce among Iranian women (20-35) with their husband in Tehran province. The participants of the study were eighty one Iranian divorced women (20-35) in Tehran. The participants were randomly chosen among women (20-35). The participants were given a questionnaire included age difference life time and effective external and internal factors of divorced. The researchers applied one way ANOVA in order to analyze the data .so the findings of the study revealed that there isn’t statistically difference between external factors and the different age of women with their husbands. On the other hand there is a meaning full difference between life time of women with their husband and external factors. The descriptive statistics revealed that there is significant relationship between difference age and life time of women with their husbands and internal factors.