Oroclinal bending, distributed thrust and strike-slip faulting, and the accommodation of Arabia–Eurasia convergence in NE Iran since the Oligocene

Regional shortening is accommodated across NE Iran in response to the collision of Arabia with Eurasia. We examine how N–S shortening is achieved on major thrust systems bounding the eastern branch of the Alborz (east of 57°E), Sabzevar and Kuh-e-Sorkh mountain ranges, which lie south of the Kopeh Dagh mountains in NE Iran. Although these ranges have experienced relatively few large earthquakes over the last 50 yr, they have been subject to a number of devastating historical events at Neyshabur, Esfarayen and Sabzevar. A significant change in the tectonics of the eastern Alborz occurs directly south of the Central Kopeh Dagh, near 57°E. To the east, shortening occurs on major thrust faults which bound the southern margin of the range, resulting in significant crustal thickening, and forming peaks up to 3000 m high. Active shortening dies out eastward into Afghanistan, which is thought to belong to stable Eurasia. The rate of shortening across thrust faults bounding the south side of the eastern Alborz north of Neyshabur is determined using optically stimulated luminescence dating of displaced river deposits, and is likely to be 0.4–1.7 mm yr^(−1). Shortening across the Sabzevar range 150 km west of Neyshabur has previously been determined at 0.4–0.6 mm yr^(−1), although reassessment of the rate here suggests it may be as high as 1 mm yr^(−1). Migration of thrust faulting into foreland basins is common across NE Iran, especially in the Esfarayen region near 57°E, where the northward deflection of the East Alborz range reaches a maximum of 200 ± 20 km (from its presumed linear E–W strike at the beginning of the Oligocene). West of 57°E, the tectonics of the Alborz are affected by the westward motion of the South Caspian region, which results in the partitioning of shortening onto separate thrust and left-lateral strike-slip faults north and south of the range. At the longitude of 59°E, published GPS velocities indicate that 50 per cent of the overall shortening across NE Iran is accommodated in the Kopeh Dagh. The remaining 50 per cent regional shortening must therefore be accommodated south of the Kopeh Dagh, in the eastern Alborz and Kuh-e-Sorkh ranges. Assuming present day rates of slip and the fault kinematics are representative of the Late Cenozoic deformation in NE Iran, the total 200 ± 20 km N–S shortening across the eastern Alborz and Kopeh Dagh mountains since the beginning of uplift of the Kopeh Dagh basin would be accommodated in 30 ± 8 Ma. Although this extrapolation may be inappropriate over such a long timescale, the age is nevertheless consistent with geological estimates of post Early-to-Middle Oligocene (<30 Ma) for the onset of Kopeh Dagh uplift

Genetic linkage analysis of DFNB40 and DFNB48 loci in families with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) from western provinces of Iran

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common sensory disorder and 1 in every 500-1000 newborns is affected. Non-syndromic SNHL accounts for 70% of hereditary hearing loss and 80% of SNHL cases have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance (ARNSHL). The Purpose of the recent study is genetic linkage analysis to determine the prevalence of DFNB40 and DFNB48 loci in studying families with ARNSHL from the western provinces of Iran. Methods: In this study, 60 families from 3 provinces of Iran involving Hamedan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari with autosomal recessive non syndromic hearing loss were examined. The selected families in this study were consanguineous and had at least two patients. They also were negative for GJB2 mutations. Linkage analysis was performed by using 6 markers short tandem repeat (STR) for the DFNB40 locus and 7 markers STR for the DFNB48 locus. Findings: After examining different families, it was revealed that none of them showed linkage to the DFNB40 and DFNB48 loci. Conclusion: The recent study suggests that DFNB40 and DFNB48 loci might not play an important role in causing hearing loss in the mentioned provinces. However, further studies are necessary to determine more precisely the role of these loci in the Iranian population. © 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

Genetic linkage analysis of DFNB7/11 locus in patients with autosomal recessive non syndromic hearing loss from Hamedan province

Background and aims: Hearing loss is a most common sensory deficit in humans. The hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed (syndromic or nonsyndromic), prelingual or postlingual. Due to the complexity of the hearing mechanism, it is not surprising that several hundred genes might be involved in causing hereditary hearing loss. So far 152 loci have been identified which are associated with the most common type of hearing loss. This study aimed to analyze genetic linkage of DFNB7/11 locus in families with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss from Hamedan province. Methods: In this descriptive laboratory study, 24 families from Hamedan province with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss were examined. Selected families in this study had consanguinity and they were negative for GJB2 gene mutations. Linkage analysis was performed by 7 markers (STR) for DFNB7/11 locus. Results: After examining different families, one family of the 24 families (4.16%) showed linkage to the DFNB7/11 locus, but in examining different exons and promoter of TMC1 gene, no mutation was found. Lack of TMC1gene mutations in mentioned familyy suggests mutations exist in noncoding regions of TMC1 genes or new gene exists in this locus. SLINK value and LOD score of this family was 1.45 and 0.54 respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, DFNB7/11 locus may not have important role in causing hearing loss of population studied, but further studies are necessary to determine more precisely the role of this locus in hearing loss in Iranian population

Genetic linkage analysis of the DFNB63 locus in families with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss from Hamadan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Provinces, Iran

Background: Hearing loss is a sensorineural impairment and is one of the most widespread congenital impairments with a prevalence of one in thousand among children. Studies have shown that 50 percent of congenital hearing loss have genetic causes and the remaining 50 percent are due to environment and unknown reasons; in addition, it is noted that this impairment is very heterogeneous. Almost 70 percent of cases are nonsyndromic with hearing loss presenting as the only impairment. About 80 percent of this type of hearing loss is inherited in recessive manner (ARNSHL). In this study, we determined the role of DFNB63 locus in a series of families in two western provinces of Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-laboratory study, to determine the prevalence of DFNB63 mutations in western provinces of Iran, we studied 150 individuals from 30 families in Hamadan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces. The selected families in this study were consanguineous, had at least 2 patients, and were negative for GJB2 mutations. Linkage analysis was performed using six appropriate short tandem repeats (STR) markers. Findings: With linkage analysis of selected families, no family was shown to be linked to the DFNB63 locus. It was shown that the LRTOMT mutations played no role in causing hearing loss in the studied families. Conclusion: The present study suggests that LRTOMT mutations may not be clinically important in causing autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss in the investigated provinces. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

Genetic linkage analysis of DFNB59 loci involved in autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) in western provinces of Iran

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most frequent congenital defects, and it has the prevalence of one in thousand among the infants. The most cases of hearing impairment are nonsyndromic and about 80 percent of patients with sensorineural HE show authosomal recessive pattern. ARSNL is a very heterogenic defect for over 70 loci and 50 genes have been found. In this study, in order to prove the prevalence of DFNB59 mutations, we examined DFNB59 mutations in 54 families from 3 provinces of Iran including Hamedan, Kohgiluye& Boveir Ahmad and Chaharmahal Bakhtiari. The gene (PJVK) in this locus encodes Pejvakin protein (PJVK) and causes nerve stimulation to conduct. Selected families in this study have consanguinity and at least have two patients with the defect they also are negative in having the GJB2 mutations. Six markers were selected for this locus and linkage analysis was performed. However, after examining different families, it was revealed that none of them had linkage to the DFNB59 locus. Therefore, this study suggests that that Pejvakin mutations might not play an important role in causing hearing loss in these provinces

High-resolution record of stable isotopes in soil carbonates reveals environmental dynamics in an arid region (central Iran) during the last 32 ka

Although central Iran is pivotal for palaeoclimatic correlations, palaeoenvironmental data for this region is very sparse and a reliable chronology for pedogenic features is lacking. We therefore tried to answer the question how the environmental conditions and, in particular, the climate developed over time by using the isotopic signatures of pedogenic carbonates. We present a chronology of pedogenic carbonates in association with stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in both the matrix and coating carbonates of a relict palаeosol (Baharan palaeosol) in central Iran to understand the dynamics of environmental changes in this region during the late Quaternary. The palаeosol experienced several episodes of leaching during pedogenesis as reflected in its morphology (carbonate coatings under the rock fractions) and geochemical characteristics (Ba/Sr ratios). The δ$^{18}$O values of both the matrix and coating carbonates in the upper 60 cm (especially in the upper 20 cm) of the pedon are enriched (∼4‰) compared to the subsoil and are mainly related to the impact of evaporation. Moreover, the δ$^{13}$C values of the carbonates are in isotopic disequilibrium with the modern vegetation cover (desert shrubs) of the study area and are enriched in different degrees. The carbonates in the top 60 cm are formed by the input of atmospheric CO$_{2}$ and calcareous dust while deeper carbonates formed in an environment exhibiting a higher contribution of C$_{4}$ plants. Based on the radiocarbon chronology of carbonate coatings, it seems that three main stages of palaeoenvironmental changes occurred in the region during the last 32 ka. The first stage lasted ca. 5,000 years (between 31.6 and 26.0 ka) and was accompanied by deep leaching under sub-humid climatic conditions and the expansion of C$_{4}$ plants. Under the dominance of semi-arid conditions during the second stage until the late Holocene, a gradual increase in the δ$^{18}$O values and aridity occurred in the region. The last phase in the late Holocene was characterised by the establishment of an arid and evaporative environment with a sparse vegetation cover. A climatic correlation using the oxygen isotopic composition of secondary carbonates from the Baharan palaeosol, Soreq Cave (the Levant) and Hoti Cave (Oman; both having speleothems records) suggested a climatic connection between central Iran and the eastern Mediterranean during the late Pleistocene and between central Iran and northern Oman during the late Holocene

Determining the slip rate of Rafsanjan fault using the age of the samples taken from that fault and comparing the results of the two software analysts and R

Fault slip rate is the amount of displacement of one wall relative to another fault wall over a period of time. The duration of this shift can be measured using the luminescence dating method.  To determine the age by luminescence dating method, two dose parameters equivalent to normal dose and annual dose are needed. By dividing the dose equivalent to the natural dose by the annual dose rate, the age value is determined per structural unit.  To determine the dose equivalent to the normal dose, a protocol for measuring luminescence signals (data) and a program for analyzing the data are required. Data analysis was performed using R software. Because the usual international program to do this is analytics software. Data were also analyzed with analyst software.  The results of these two softwares and their effect in determining the slip rate of Rafsanjan fault were compared.  The amount of displacement measured on the Rafsanjan fault is 48 ± 4 meters.  The age was estimated to be 97-118thousand years using R software and 101-129 thousand years by analyst software.  Slip rates were obtained by R software and analysts, 0.41 to 0.53 and 0.36 to 0.48 mm / year, respectively.  Slip rates were obtained by R software and analysts, 0.41 to 0.53 and 0.36 to 0.48 mm / year, respectively

The diagnostic value of macrophage migration inhibitory factor, carcinoembryonic antigen, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in gastric cancer

Introduction: Gastric cancer is a rather common malignancy worldwide and a major healthcare system issue. Lately, the importance of biomarkers such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been demonstrated in the diagnosis of various gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of MIF, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) in gastric cancer. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 84 patients with gastric cancer referred to the gastroenterology clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and 80 healthy individuals were enrolled. Serum levels of MIF, CEA, and CA 19-9 were measured in both groups. Further, the grade and stage of the cancer were determined in in the patient group. Results: Serum levels of all three MIF, CEA, and CA 19-9 biomarkers in patients with gastric cancer were significantly higher than those of the control group (P = 0.001). However, no statistically significant correlations were found between the studied biomarkers with the tumor grade and stage. The MIF cut-off point for the diagnosis of gastric cancer was found to be 7.05 pg/ml and its sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 73.8%, respectively. Conclusion: MIF biomarker may involve in the pathogenesis and development of gastric cancer and it is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic marker in this malignancy

Microseismicity and seismotectonics of the South Caspian Lowlands, NE Iran

This paper is concerned with the microseismicity and seismotectonics of the eastern South Caspian Sea region, where the East Alborz mountains descend to meet the South Caspian Lowlands of NE Iran. To better understand the present-day tectonics and seismicity of this region, which includes the cities of Gorgan and Gonbad-e-Qabus (combined population 500 000), we installed a temporary local seismic network across the area for 6 months between 2009 and 2010. We analysed the seismicity and focal mechanisms together with data from the permanent networks of the Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran (IGUT) and the International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (IIEES), based in Tehran. Microseismicity is focused primarily on the Shahrud fault system, which bounds the east Alborz range to the south. Relatively few earthquakes are associated with the Khazar thrust fault, which bounds the north side of the range. A cluster of shallow microseismicity (<15 km depth) occurs 40 km north of the Khazar fault (within the South Caspian Lowlands; SCL), an area typically thought to be non-deforming. This area coincides with the location of three relatively deep thrust earthquakes (M_w 5.3–5.5) which occurred in 1999, 2004 and 2005. Inversion of teleseismic body waveforms allows us to constrain the depth of these earthquakes at 26–29 km. Although significant sedimentation throughout the SCL obscures any expression of recent fault activity at the surface, focal mechanisms of well-located events from the shallow cluster of micro-seismicity show a significant component of left-lateral strike-slip motion (assuming slip occurs on NE–SW fault planes, typical of active faults in the region), as well as a small normal component. Inversion of traveltimes for well-located events in our network yields a velocity structure for the region, and a Moho depth of 41 km. The pattern of deep thrust and shallow normal seismicity could be explained by bending of the rigid South Caspian crust as it underthrusts the East Alborz mountains and Central Iran. Late Quaternary reorganization of drainage systems in the SCL may be the result of shallow normal fault activity within the SCL

Estimates, trends, and drivers of the global burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to PM2.5 air pollution, 1990-2019 : an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Experimental and epidemiological studies indicate an association between exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In view of the high and increasing prevalence of diabetes, we aimed to quantify the burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to PM2.5 originating from ambient and household air pollution.Methods We systematically compiled all relevant cohort and case-control studies assessing the effect of exposure to household and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution on type 2 diabetes incidence and mortality. We derived an exposure-response curve from the extracted relative risk estimates using the MR-BRT (meta-regression-Bayesian, regularised, trimmed) tool. The estimated curve was linked to ambient and household PM2.5 exposures from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019, and estimates of the attributable burden (population attributable fractions and rates per 100 000 population of deaths and disability-adjusted life-years) for 204 countries from 1990 to 2019 were calculated. We also assessed the role of changes in exposure, population size, age, and type 2 diabetes incidence in the observed trend in PM2.5-attributable type 2 diabetes burden. All estimates are presented with 95% uncertainty intervals.Findings In 2019, approximately a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes was attributable to PM2.5 exposure, with an estimated 3.78 (95% uncertainty interval 2.68-4.83) deaths per 100 000 population and 167 (117-223) disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per 100 000 population. Approximately 13.4% (9.49-17.5) of deaths and 13.6% (9.73-17.9) of DALYs due to type 2 diabetes were contributed by ambient PM2.5, and 6.50% (4.22-9.53) of deaths and 5.92% (3.81-8.64) of DALYs by household air pollution. High burdens, in terms of numbers as well as rates, were estimated in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and South America. Since 1990, the attributable burden has increased by 50%, driven largely by population growth and ageing. Globally, the impact of reductions in household air pollution was largely offset by increased ambient PM2.5.Interpretation Air pollution is a major risk factor for diabetes. We estimated that about a fifth of the global burden of type 2 diabetes is attributable PM2.5 pollution. Air pollution mitigation therefore might have an essential role in reducing the global disease burden resulting from type 2 diabetes. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe