Geology and mineralogy of advanced argillic alteration in the Keshe area (Mt. Karkas), Central Iran

Abstract The Keshe area is a part of Cenozoic magmatic belt of Central Iran. Some volcanics in this area underwent hydrothermal alteration including kaolinitization and alunitization. The altered rocks are characterized by an assemblage of alunite, kaolinite and quartz, which is typical in advanced argillic alteration. The mineralogical study suggests that the hydrothermal alteration in this area occurred in a magmatic hydrothermal environment

The relationship of sociocultural beliefs and infertile couples’ attitude toward reproductive donation: A descriptive-correlational study

Background: There are controversial views on accepting a reproductive donation in the world. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the sociocultural beliefs and infertile couples’ attitude toward reproductive donation in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted out on 115 infertile couples visiting Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad, Iran with using convenience sampling. The research instruments were valid and reliable sociocultural beliefs and attitude questionnaires, which were completed by the respondents on a self-report basis. Results: The mean score of attitude toward reproductive donation in infertile women and men was 58.3 ± 12.6 and 57.8 ± 12.0, and the mean score of sociocultural beliefs in infertile women and men was 67.7 ± 11.5 and 67.6 ± 12.4, respectively. There was a direct correlation between sociocultural beliefs and attitude toward reproductive donation in infertile women (p < 0.001) and men (p < 0.001), that is, women and men with a higher score of sociocultural beliefs had a higher score of attitude as well. A direct correlation was also seen between sociocultural beliefs and infertile women and men’s public attitude, their attitude towards genetic bound between parents and children, their attitude regarding the issue of confidentiality of the donation process, as well as attitude in relation to oocyte donation, embryo donation, and surrogacy (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that sociocultural beliefs that surround reproductive donation could influence infertile couple’s attitude toward accepting these therapeutic alternatives in infertile couples. It is therefore recommended to take steps to incorporate sociocultural beliefs into the routine care of infertile couples with the help of social media to give them ability for making more pragmatic decision in relation to their chosen options

The effect of infertility counseling interventions on marital and sexual satisfaction of infertile couples: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Psychological consequences of infertility could have a negative effect on marital and sexual satisfaction. Numerous medical associations have strongly recommended psychological interventions, including counseling, to help infertile couples. Objective: This study reviewed the effectiveness of counseling interventions on marital and sexual satisfaction in infertile couples. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Psych Info, Cochran Library, Scopus, and Embase were searched for relevant articles published up to March 2020. All randomized clinical trials assessing the impact of psychological interventions on marital and sexual satisfaction in infertile couples were included in the review. The outcome measures were marital and sexual satisfaction, and the pooled estimate of the effects was calculated using a random-effects model. The risk of bias was measured using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the summary measures were reported as 95% confidence interval and percentage of heterogeneity. Results: Out of the 309 studies found through the search, 13 randomized clinical trials including 230 infertile women and 512 infertile couples were systematically reviewed and included in the meta-analysis. It was found that counseling interventions improve marital and sexual satisfaction. Conclusion: As counseling and psychological interventions increase the marital and sexual satisfaction of infertile couples, those are highly recommended for the psychological management of infertile couples. Key words: Infertility, Psychosocial intervention, Counseling, Sexual satisfaction, Systematic review, Meta-analysis, Couples

Current Status of Cancer Research, Diagnosis and Therapy in Iran-2015:An Update

The burden of cancer is increasing rapidly during the last decade and it is expected that it will rise intensely in the future because of anticipated increased life expectancy and modern lifestyle. One of the first steps to control cancer is to collect data in the framework of cancer registries as well as conducting research in various cancer related areas, which could be achieved through establishment of cancer research network in Iran. The other important issue is not follow the early detection and prevention protocols and along treatment procedures. Considering the fact that cancer is the third leading cause of death in Iran, it is required that health system should try to meet the demands related to the diagnosis, treatment and palliative care of cancer patients. This review addresses the current status of research, diagnosis and therapy related to cancer in Iran

Determination of equilibrium isotherms and proper mathematical model for lime slices

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) at different air relative humidity and temperatures is a vital parameter in optimization of drying and storage processes. In the present study amount of moisture content in lime (Local variety) slice at different ambient temperatures of 30°C, 40°C and 50°C were measured using gravimetric method. The obtained E.M.C experimental values were employed to plot the isotherm curve at different environmental air temperatures. These data also were fed to fourteen popular mathematical models. The well-known statistical factors such as Coefficient of determination (R^2), Chi-square (χ2), Root of mean square error (RMSE) and Mean of relative deviation (MRD) were calculated to validate the goodness of fit. The Peleg Model was selected as the best model for predicting the EMC at each three temperatures level. The result of present research displayed that the amount of EMC decreased with increasing the ambient temperature. The monolayer moisture content (m0) was also determined using Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) equation. The monolayer moisture content values were 0.023, 0.021 and 0.014 g.H_2 O/g solid at 30°C, 40°Cand 50°C, respectively, and the corresponding constant values of the Brunauer, Emmett and Teller equation were found to be −4.925, −6.543 and −7.035, respectively

INSURANCE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION USING BSC-AHP COMBINED TECHNIQUE

Abstract. Insurance companies are expected to show successful performance in achieving their goals. The extent to which awareness of this organizational performance has been successful in achieving goals and where the position of organization is situated in the modern complex and dynamic context have taken on special importance to managers and organizations. Organization survival and activity are determined by competition ability and adoption of the most suitable policy for environmental changes. One of the most effective practices used by organizations is the use of performance evaluation in order to determine weaknesses and strengths of organizations and fix them and enhance their strengths. Performance management and evaluation play a prominent role in determining and implementingstrategies, as well as contributing to organizations’ competition power. In this regard, possessing a model for evaluating organization’s strategic performance seems essential. One of the techniques is the balanced scorecard which was introduced to evaluate organizations’ performance for the first time and is still recognized as a method of strategic planning which can be applicable. The balanced scorecard is a managerial concept which helps managers at all levels controls their key activities. In this research, we aim to assess the performance of various representatives of Kosar Insurance Co. in Qazvin using a combined approach, the balanced scorecard (BSC) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and prioritize them and explore their strengths and weaknesses.Keywords: performance evaluation, balanced scorecard, analytical hierarchy process, Qazvin Kosar Insuranc

A Case Report of a Huge Mesenteric Cyst in a 5-Year-Old Girl: A Rare and Challenging Finding in Radiological Assessment

Introduction: Mesenteric cysts are rare benign intra-abdominal vesicles with various clinical presentations. They almost located in the mesentery of the small intestine. The selective therapeutic method is complete surgical excision, however more than half need resection and bowel anastomosis. Case presentation: Here, we presented a 5-year-old girl with a huge mesenteric cyst (15×14cm2) mesenteric cyst that was excised surgically., which the diagnosis confirmed by computed tomography scan and managed through surgical excision. Conclusion: Acute abdominal pain may be due to the presence of mesenteric cysts, but it is not always possible to differentiate and diagnose it preoperatively, and this challenge especially exists in the case of bulky masses. it is recommended to choose primary radical, surgical treatment in case of intra-abdominal cystic mass in the pediatric age

Women’s needs in their journey toward motherhood via oocyte donation: A mixed methods systematic review

Background: Given the significant changes in family formation through donation procedures, providing an optimal level of care that is responsive to the needs of mothers who get pregnant via oocyte donation is pivotal to improve their maternal role. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the needs of oocyte donation mothers to address their specific needs. Objective: This study aimed to review the needs of women in their journey toward motherhood via oocyte donation. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, which followed the updated Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodological guidance for conducting a mixed methods systematic review, the quantitative observational and qualitative studies were searched through databases including PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, the Cochran Library, and Google Scholar search engine. Letters to the editor, commentaries, magazine articles, articles without full text and abstracts presented in congresses were excluded. All English-language articles related to the needs of oocyte donation mothers, without time limitations, were reviewed. The eligible studies were critically appraised independently by 2 researchers. Results: 4649 records were identified from those 18 articles that were finally included in the review. The needs of oocyte donation mothers comprised 8 categories: The need for special services in fertility clinics, the need to improve the quality of care, the need for emotional support and psychological consultation, information needs, the need for financial support, the need for disclosure counseling, educational needs, and the need for sociocultural and religious support. Conclusion: This review suggests various needs of oocyte donation mothers. The results can be used in carefully planning supportive programs for this vulnerable population. Key words: Need, Women, Oocyte donation, Motherhood

Comparison of Two Manual Therapy Techniques in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Manual therapy techniques are part of physiotherapy treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) which are classified into two groups including nerve mobilization and mechanical interface mobilization. The aim of the study was to find which manual therapy method-technique directed to mechanical interface and nerve mobilization–has superior beneficial effects on clinical and electrophysiological findings in conservative management of patients with CTS. Methods: Thirty patients with CTS participated into two groups namely: mechanical interface and nerve mobilization in this randomized clinical trial. The intervention was performed three times weekly for 4 weeks. Mechanical interface mobilization was directed to structures around the median nerve at the forearm and wrist. Techniques of median nerve gliding and tension were used in the nerve mobilization group. The outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS), symptom severity scale (SSS), hand functional status scale (FSS) and motor and sensory distal latencies of median nerve. Paired t-test and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: At the end of the 4th week of the treatment, the mean of VAS, SSS and FSS significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05), but the difference was not significant between the two groups (P>0.05). Although the mean of motor and sensory distal latencies of median nerve at the end of the treatment period only improved in the nerve mobilization group (p<0.05), the difference was not significant between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Mechanical interface mobilization and nerve mobilization techniques are not superior to each other in reducing pain and improving hand symptoms and functional status