Antiretroviral drug resistance mutations in naïve and experienced patients in Shiraz, Iran, 2014

Resistance to antiretroviral agents is a significant concern in the clinical management of HIV-infected individuals, particularly in areas of the world where treatment options are limited. In this study, we aimed to identify HIV drug-resistance-associated mutations in 40 drug-naïve patients and 62 patients under antiretroviral therapy (ART) referred to the Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center – the first such data available for the south of Iran. HIV reverse transcriptase and protease genes were amplified and sequenced to determine subtypes and antiretroviral- resistance-associated mutations (RAMs). Subtype CRF35-AD recombinant was the most prevalent in all patients (98 of 102, 96 % ), followed by subtype A1, and subtype B (one each, 2 % ). Among the 40 ART-naïve patients, two mutations associated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance (two with Y115F and T215I) and three associated with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance (two with G190S and Y181C, four with V179T) were found. Among ART-experienced patients, four mutations associated with resistance to NRTI, four with NNRTI, and five with protease inhibitors (PI) were found. Twenty patients with high levels of resistance were already on second-line therapy. We document for the first time in this region of Iran high levels of ART resistance to multiple drugs. Our findings call for more vigilant systematic ART resistance surveillance, increased resistance testing, careful management of patients with existing regimens, and strong advocacy for expansion of available drugs in Iran. © 2016, Springer-Verlag Wien

Implementation of energy sustainability using hybrid power systems, a case study

Without a doubt, many remote areas have a hidden potential of energy, which can be considered for electricity production. Indeed, energy supply for remote areas is one of the most critical targets of SDGs BY the 2030 year. Based on this explanation, this paper presents a techno-economic analysis of hybrid energy systems installable for two capital provinces of Iran, concerning SDGs targets. Firstly, a comprehensive investigation of SDGs and UN-Habitat III targets are described and then, concerning these targets and existing data gathered by the meteorological organization of Iran, a techno-economic analysis is conducted using Homer software. Regarding the high potential of renewable energies in Zahedan and Zanjan cities of Iran, implementing hybrid energy systems could be feasible for producing electrical energy as a correct policy and a good vision by policymakers and energy experts in the future. In this respect, a PV-Wind-Generator system is investigated in this paper for producing electricity in the two mentioned cities. Technical analysis of the solar energy for Zahedan is showing that the total amount of electricity production by the hybrid system is about 40,617 kWh/yr. In addition, the total amount of electricity production by this hybrid system for Zanjan is to equal 41,728 kWh/yr. Therefore, regarding this high potential of energy in these areas, investment on the solar energy for both cities has economic justification, while from the wind energy potential viewpoint, only Zahedan is proper for investment

A Technical Analysis Investigating Energy Sustainability Utilizing Reliable Renewable Energy Sources to Reduce CO2 Emissions in a High Potential Area

©2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This is the accepted manuscript version of an article which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.09.042Reduction of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions will have a positive impact on the environment by preventing adverse effects of global warming. To achieve an eco-environment, the primary source of energy needs to shift from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy. Thus, increased utilization of renewable energy overtime reduces air pollution and contributes to securing sustainable energy supply to satisfy future energy needs. The main purpose of this study is to investigate several sustainable hybrid renewable systems for electricity production in Iran. In this regard, critical indicators that have the strongest impact on the environment and energy sustainability are presented in this study. After a comprehensive review of environmental issues, data was collected from the meteorological organization and a techno-economic assessment was performed using HOMER software. It was concluded that the hybrid configuration composed of photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine, diesel generator and battery produced the best outcome with an energy cost of 0.151$/kWh and 15.6% return on investment. In addition, the results showed that with a higher renewable fraction exceeding 72%, this hybrid system can reduce more than 2000 Kg of CO 2 emission per household annually. Although excess electricity generation is a challenge in stand-alone systems, by using the fuel cell, an electrolyzer, and a hydrogen tank unit, the amount of energy loss was reduced to less than one-sixth. These results show that selecting useful indicators such as appropriate implementation of policies of new enabling technologies and investments on renewable energy resources, has three potential benefits namely: CO 2 reduction, greater sustainable electricity generation and provides an economic justication for stakeholders to invest in the renewable energy sector.Peer reviewe