The Gendered and Sexual Experiences of Iranian Muslim Menopausal Women: A Biographical Narrative Approach

This thesis explores the processes through which sexual and gendered experiences of Iranian Muslim menopausal women are shaped by hegemonic gender norms, and how these women do, in turn, express their agency. It addresses a significant gap in the literature, due in part to the dominant biomedical discourse that have failed to acknowledge the role of sociocultural factors in understanding the sexuality of menopausal women. Moreover, it is the first study that analyses the sexual, embodied and gendered experiences of Iranian Muslim menopausal women from their point of view, contributing to biographical sociology and sexualities research. Specifically, this is achieved by undertaking empirical research linking sexuality, ageing, and the body to the matter of menopause - conceived here as a gendered, embodied and lived phenomenon characterised both by cultural constraint and by individual reflexive body techniques. 30 biographical, life course interviews, were conducted and I scrutinise the ways in which women articulate critical agency and bodily practices in milieux structured by masculine power over three different stages of their lives: childhood, womanhood and menopause. Highlighting the events and experiences that have been significant in shaping the sexual and gendered biographies of my interviewees, I discuss how cultural meanings and symbols have emerged and been negotiated by these women at these different stages of their lives. Importantly, it is argued that this ultimately demonstrates the significance of female agency in respect of the socio-cultural contexts in which women are typically conceived as being afforded little autonomy, as well as their reflexive embodiment, their cultural consent as well as the contesting of power. Indeed, the women’s stories reveal that ‘the gendered body’ and experiences of sexuality are created in the interaction between, at the macro-level, socio-cultural structures and, at the micro-level, personal, embodied, responses to these normative structures

Older Iranian Muslim women’s experiences of sex and sexuality: A biographical approach

Muslim women in Iran live in a patriarchal society which significantly restricts their freedom and agency. While there is a growing understanding of social change as it relates to younger Muslim women in Iran, the perspectives and experiences of older women are marginalized; mirroring problems with the intersections of age, gender, and sexuality in the West. In order to address this occlusion, this article draws on life history interviews with 30 older Muslim women living in Tehran and Karaj. Adopting a biographical life course approach, and examining pivotal moments related to sexuality in their lives, we discuss how cultural meanings and symbols of sexuality have emerged and been negotiated by these women at the life stages of puberty, first sex at marriage, and menopause. The patriarchal and religious gender order of Iran transgresses these women's human rights so that sexuality is experienced as a source of shame, stigma, and pollution, yet the women also exert forms of agency in their lives as they adopt and challenge these norms

Prevalence of cagA, cagT, cagE, vacA and hrgA genes in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients with gastric cancer in Karaj city, 2016

Background: It is estimated that approximately half of the planet's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori and 70-60 of the infections in the Western countries are caused by cagA-positive strains. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of cagA, cagT, cagE, vacA and hrgA genes in H. pylori isolated from patients with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 non-repetitive biopsy samples were collected from patients undergoing endoscopy in the endoscopic center of the Shahid Fayaz Hospital in Karaj. The presence of cagA, cagT, cagE, vacA and hrgA genes was determined using the multiplex PCR method. Results: Of the 50 gastric biopsies, 44 samples (88) were positive for the presence of various virulence genes. The molecular analysis of virulence factors showed that the prevalence rates of cagA, cagT, cagE, vacA and hrgA genes were 16 (32), 8 (16), 13 (26), 7 (14) and 17 (34), respectively. There was a significant relationship between sex, smoking and gastric ulcer with some genes, but no significant relationship was found between the family history and age group with any of the genes. Conclusion: The presence of various pathogenic genes has a significant effect on gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. The effects of other genes, such as hrgA, are important in tissue damage and inflammatory responses

Dyslipidaemia and its management in diabetic patients in an academic centre in Iran

Introduction: Dyslipidaemia is accompanied with increased cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. Today there have been some improvements in the management of dyslipidaemia using lifestyle modification and medications. In this study we evaluate the management of dyslipidaemia in an academic centre. Material and methods: This is a descriptive study, from January 2003 until December 2007. All type 2 diabetic patients who were more than 30 years old and had at least 2 visits per year were eligible for including. Results: Overall, 1179 patients (70.2% women) were assessed. Mean LDL-C in 2003 was 124.6 &#177; 34.6 mg/dL, and decreased to 109.7 &#177; 28.9 mg/dL in 2007 (p < 0.05). 21.0% of patients in 2003 and 40.5% of them in 2007 had LDL-C < 100 mg/dL. TG did not change during these years. There was an increase in the use of statins from 76.3% to 84.3% (p-value < 0.05) during the 5 years since 2003, but a decrease in the use of fibrates. Conslusions: Although recently we have made improvements in the control of dyslipidaemia in diabetic patients, we have not reached our goals. Of late, physicians have emphasized the use of statins in diabetic patients, which has resulted in much better levels of LDL-C, but still less than half of the patients are at ideal levels. In conclusion, we should revise our point of view to begin and intensify treatment of dyslipidaemia in diabetic patients, to achieve the goal of treatment and prevent cardiovascular events optimally.Wstęp: Dyslipidemia u chorych na cukrzycę wiąże się ze zwiększoną częstością zdarzeń sercowo-naczyniowych. W leczeniu dyslipidemii obejmującym modyfikację stylu życia i farmakoterapię nastąpił znaczny postęp. Celem niniejszego badania była ocena leczenia dyslipidemii w ośrodku akademickim. Materiał i metody: Badanie obejmowało okres od stycznia 2003 roku do grudnia 2007 roku. Do badania włączono wszystkich chorych na cukrzycę typu 2 w wieku powyżej 30 lat, którzy odbywali co najmniej 2 wizyty rocznie. Wyniki: Oceniono łącznie 1179 chorych (70,2% stanowiły kobiety). Średnie stężenie cholesterolu frakcji LDL w 2003 roku wynosiło 124,6 &#177; 34,6 mg/dl. Uległo ono obniżeniu i wynosiło 109,7 &#177; 28,9 mg/dl w 2007 roku (p < 0,05). Odsetek chorych, u których stężenie cholesterolu frakcji LDL było niższe niż 100 mg/dl wynosił 21,0% w 2003 roku i 40,5% w 2007 roku. Stężenie triglicerydów nie zmieniło się w tym okresie. W okresie 5 lat od 2003 roku nastąpiło zwiększenie częstości stosowania statyn z 76,3% do 84,3% (p < 0,05), zmniejszyło się natomiast zużycie fibratów. Wnioski: Mimo że w ostatnich latach nastąpiła poprawa w zakresie kontroli stężenia lipidów u chorych na cukrzycę, nadal rzadko udaje się osiągnąć cele terapii. W najnowszych doniesieniach podkreśla się, że stosowanie statyn u chorych na cukrzycę powoduje znaczne obniżenie stężenia cholesterolu frakcji LDL, jednak docelowe wartości uzyskuje nadal mniej niż połowa pacjentów. Podsumowując, należy zrewidować dotychczasowe poglądy na temat leków hipolipemizujacych i wcześniej rozpoczynać intensywną terapię dyslipidemii u chorych na cukrzycę, aby osiągnąć cele leczenia i zapewnić optymalną prewencję zdarzeń sercowo-naczyniowych

The effect of Coronavirus disease pandemic on maternal and neonatal health: A cohort study from Isfahan, Iran

Background: The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may profoundly impact on maternal and neonatal health worldwide. However, a few studies have investigated this topic. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and neonatal health. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed collected data from March to May 2020, and the same period in 2019, involving 5711 pregnant women referring to comprehensive healthcare centers in Isfahan province health facilities, Iran. Pregnant women and neonates were followed-up until 40 days after the delivery. Demographic characteristics, pre-pregnancy, antenatal care, and postpregnancy variables were collected. Results: A total of 5,711 pregnant women were studied, of whom 3477 (61%) were referred in 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic as nonexposed) and 2234 (39%) during the COVID-19 pandemic (as exposed group) in 2020. For those living in cities with a population of &gt; 20,000, the number of antenatal care were lower about 2% compared to nonexposed group (p = 0.01). The number of mothers with a history of the underlying disease who referred to a comprehensive healthcare center during the COVID-19 pandemic (47%) was lower about 6% compared to nonexposed group (41%) (p &lt; 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus was 5% (n = 109) and 20% (n = 445), which were higher about 2% and 4%, respectively, compared to nonexposed group. The COVID-19 pandemic had no other significant effect on mothers’ and neonates’ other characteristics than nonexposed group. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic imposes no significant effect on mothers’ and neonates’ health compared to nonexposed group. Key words: Maternal health, Neonatal health, Pregnancy, COVID-19

Download citationShare Download full-text PDF A comparison of Thiazolyl blue (MTT) versus Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay in assessment of antiproliferation effect of bromelain on 4T1, AGS and PC3 cancer cell lines

Background: All natural anticancer agents are cytotoxic basically and act mainly by the inhibition cell proliferation; but they have different mechanisms. Two assays, thiazolyl blue [3- (4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2, 5-diphenyl-terazoliumbromide or MTT] and sulforhodamine B (SRB), are used to assess cell growth. This study aimed to compare measurements between MTT and SRB on the cancer cell lines. Methods: Different concentrations of the bromelain were added to cultured cells including mouse breast cancer (4T1), human gastric carcinoma (AGS), and human prostate carcinoma (PC3) cell lines and incubated at 24 and 48 hours. The growth and proliferation rates of the studied cells were investigated using both MTT and SRB assays after treatment with bromelain. The differences between cells were determined using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunns tests. Findings: Bromelain significantly decreased growth and proliferation rate of 4T1, AGS and PC3 cancer cells, in a concentration-dependent manner at different times, in both MTT and SRB assays. Conclusion: Findings showed that both MTT and SRB assays gained similar data regardless of the cell types. A comparison of Thiazolyl blue (MTT) versus Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay in assessment of antiproliferation effect of bromelain on 4T1, AGS and PC3 cancer cell lines (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320563601_A_comparison_of_Thiazolyl_blue_MTT_versus_Sulforhodamine_B_SRB_assay_in_assessment_of_antiproliferation_effect_of_bromelain_on_4T1_AGS_and_PC3_cancer_cell_lines [accessed Nov 07 2017]

Effect of progressive muscle relaxation and aerobic exercise on anxiety, sleep quality, and fatigue in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis

Insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue are more common in hemodialysis patients than in healthy people and affect patients' quality of life. In the present study, the effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and aerobic exercise on anxiety, sleep quality, and fatigue in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis were evaluated. In this double-blind clinical trial, 100 hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to three groups: PMR, aerobic exercise, and control. Patients performed relaxation and aerobic exercise daily for 60 days. Questionnaires of anxiety, sleep quality, and fatigue were completed by participants before and after the interventions. Data were analyzed by Stata software. PMR program significantly decreased general anxiety, trait anxiety, state anxiety, and Beck anxiety and aerobic exercise significantly reduced beck anxiety. PMR program and aerobic exercise both significantly improved sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. PMR program significantly reduced Rhoten fatigue but did not affect Piper fatigue. Aerobic exercise had no effect on Rhoten and Piper fatigue. Results showed better function of PMR compared to aerobic exercise in improving the symptoms of anxiety, sleep disorders, and fatigue in hemodialysis patients. Given that fatigue and sleep quality cause severe anxiety and somehow undermine quality of life in hemodialysis patients, taking into account non-pharmacological treatments such as aerobic exercise particularly PMR is a highly economical but efficient and efficacious strategy to manage several problems of these patients. Healthcare teams can incorporate these safe programs in care designs

Bis(acetato-κO)bis­(μ3-quinolin-8-olato-κ4 N,O:O:O)tetra­kis(μ2-quinolin-8-olato-κ3 N,O:O)tetra­zinc(II) dihydrate

In the centrosymmetric title compound, [Zn4(C9H6NO)6(C2H3O2)2]·2H2O, the ZnII atom that is bonded to one O atom of the acetate group is chelated by a quinolin-8-olate anion. This Zn atom is also bonded to the oxide O atoms of two other quinolin-8-olate anions, which themselves engage in chelation to the other ZnII atoms. The ZnII atom is five-coordinate in a square-pyramidal coordination geometry. The second ZnII atom is six-coordinate as it is linked to two oxide O atoms of the anions that chelate to the acetate-bound metal atom, and is chelated by two quinolin-8-olate ligands. The uncoordinated water mol­ecule is disordered over two positions in a 4:1 ratio. O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and the free O atoms of the carboxylate groups consolidate the crystal packing

Progesterone exerts antidepressant-like effect in a mouse model of maternal separation stress through mitigation of neuroinflammatory response and oxidative stress

Context: Experiencing early-life adversity plays a key role in the development of mood disorders in adulthood. Experiencing adversities during early life period negatively affects brain development. Sex steroids such as progesterone affect the brain structure and functions and subsequently affects behaviour. Objective: We assess the antidepressant-like effect of progesterone in a mouse model of maternal separation (MS) stress, focussing on its anti-neuroinflammatory and antioxidative effects. Materials and methods: NMRI mice were treated with progesterone (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p., respectively) for 14 days. Valid behavioural tests including forced swimming test (FST), splash test and open field test (OFT) were used. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used for evaluation of genetic expression in the hippocampus. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by the FRAP method and the level of malondialdehide by TBA. Results: MS provoked depressive-like behaviour in mice. Treatment of MS mice with progesterone increased the grooming activity time in the splash test and decreased the immobility time in the FST. In addition, progesterone decreased the expression of inflammatory genes related to neuroinflammation (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, TLR4 and NLRP3) as well as increased the antioxidant capacity and decreased the lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the hippocampus. Discussion and Conclusion: Administration of progesterone significantly mitigated the negative effects of MS on behaviours relevant to depressive-like behaviour as well as attenuated neuro-immune response and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of MS mice. In this context, we conclude that progesterone, at least partially, via attenuation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, exerts antidepressant-like effects