Mathematical Modeling of Schizophrenia

    Abnormal brain function in schizophrenia involves an extended network of brain structures. In schizophrenia, an abnormal dopamine activity in accordance with altered GABA and glutamate transmission appears to interfere with this process. In this study, we have examined the effect of dopamine hyperactivity on CA3 pyramidal cells using a mathematical model. Our simulation results show that while normal activity of dopamine system causes the membrane potential of pyramidal cell to display a periodic bursting behavior, hyperactivity of this system brings about irregular and aperiodic patterns of activity. In addition, it is suggested that hypo-glutamatergic conditions result in reduced activation of the striatal complex and may induce psychotic symptoms. Thus, we also investigated the role of glutamate level in postsynaptic cell activity. Simulation results indicate that hypo-glutamatergic condition has the same effect on the membrane potential of pyramidal cells, i.e. aperiodic and irregular firing patterns. Based on these results, we hypothesize that glutamate receptor activation may have good therapeutic results in schizophrenia

Sexual function among married menopausal women in Amol (Iran)

Background: Sexual activity is an important part of the human being′s life but this instinct could be influenced by some factors such as diseases, drug using, aging, and menopause. But information about that is limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the status of sexual activity among married menopausal women in Amol, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted to describe the sexual activity and sexual dysfunction of women after menopause. Data were collected from health centers in Amol from 280 married women using a questionnaire (self-completed or by interview). Finding: Mean age of subjects were 55.9 ± 6.02 years. 23.4% of subjects reported that their sexual intercourse had been low. 70% of subjects reported a decrease in their sexual activities after menopause. Sexual dysfunctions includes sexual desire disorder 80% arousal dysfunction 80%, orgasmic dysfunction 25%, dyspareunia 55.6%, and lack of sexual satisfaction 43.2%. Conclusion: Findings revealed high percentage of sexual desire disorder and sexual arousal disorder in menopausal women. Therefore, we should have emphasis on counseling and education about sexual activities during the menopause period

The influence of sad mood on inhibitory control: the role of gender differences

Previous attempts to study the effect of sad mood on inhibitory control have not led to consistent results in clinical and non-clinical populations. We suggested that inconsistent results may have been caused by different task situations, different qualities of the experienced sad mood, and disregarding the possible effects of confounding factors such as gender and age differences. To fill in the gaps of previous studies, we recruited 30 male and 30 female participants aged between 20 to 27. They were randomly assigned to one of the sad or neutral mood groups. The music mood induction procedure was used to induce the sad mood state, while participants in the neutral mood group listened to some neutral audio materials. After mood manipulation, participants completed the color-word Stroop task. We observed that participants’ inhibitory control performance was not influenced by any of the fleeting sad mood states or gender differences. We discussed possible reasons behind the findings

The Relationship Between Sequential Implicit Learning and Visuospatial Working Memory Capacity: A Developmental Study

The main aim of this study was to examine the relation of the sequential implicit learning and visuospatial working memory capacity in childhood. The statistical population for this study were all pre-elementary and elementary female students who are studying at schools of Tehran in 2018 – 2019 academic year. The sample of this study consisted of 27 girls aged 6 to 7.5 and 25 girls aged 9 to 10.5 recruited based on availability sampling method. The participants completed the Corsi span task and a modified version of the Serial Reaction Time (SRT) task in a single session. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-test and the Pearson-r. The results showed that although younger children had a lower visuospatial working memory capacity in comparison with the elder children, there is no significant relationship between the visuospatial working memory capacity and SIL. This means that implicit learning of the sequences is not influenced by the differences of the visuospatial working memory capacity

Determining and Prioritizing the Educational Needs of Midwives

Introduction: Assessing educational needs and planning can be a positive step towards improving the quality of midwifery services. This study was conducted to determine the educational needs of midwives in line with responsive midwifery education in Qom, Iran. Methods: This exploratory mixed-method study consisted of two parts, a qualitative study (content analysis) with the aim of determining educational needs, and a quantitative study (description cross sectional method) with the aim of prioritize educational needs. Initially, the educational needs of midwifery students were determined based on experiences and views of midwives, instructors, and midwifery faculty members. In the same vein, participants were selected by purposeful sampling method. To collect data, a semi-structured questionnaire was used. Educational needs were extracted and categorized through qualitative content analysis. Then, using Delphi technique and relying on the opinions of the faculty members of the midwifery department, educational needs were prioritized. MAXQDA was used to manage data in qualitative section. Data description (mean scores and agreement rate) in quantitative study was conducted manually. Results: Thirty nine midwives responded questions in qualitative section. Views of experts were analyzed by content analysis method and categorized in 289 codes, 73 categories, and 13 main categories. In quantitative section, the highest priority (score 5) were devoted to these subjects: requesting and interpreting practical midwifery tests, fetal health assessment, prescription, perinatal care, hemorrhage, preeclampsia, neonatal examination, physiological delivery, client communication, peer communication, patient communication, professional ethics, and patient safety. The experts' agreement ratio was 84 percent in second round of Delphi. Conclusion: Findings of the study revealed that due to various educational needs of midwives, to enable midwifery student to response to social expectations attention to these subjects during student training and holding workshop with supplementary courses are suggested