Spread of biological invasions: The experience of Tilapia species in the Shadegan Wetland, southwest of Iran

The status of non-native tilapia species was evaluated by sampling campaigns in fishing grounds in the central part of the Shadegan Wetland, southwest Iran in 2014–15 (with follow-up in 2019). Considering a high percentage of relative species abundance, the tilapia species (Coptodon zillii and Oreochromis aureus) are well established in the wetland. As the management plans of such species are difficult and expensive, prevention of the introduction of these species to other water bodies is highly recommended.Hussein Valikhani, Asghar Abdoli, Farshad Nejat, Milad Khosravi, Kamal Khezri, Bahram H. Kiab

Pemphigus autoimmunity: Hypotheses and realities

The goal of contemporary research in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus is to achieve and maintain clinical remission without corticosteroids. Recent advances of knowledge on pemphigus autoimmunity scrutinize old dogmas, resolve controversies, and open novel perspectives for treatment. Elucidation of intimate mechanisms of keratinocyte detachment and death in pemphigus has challenged the monopathogenic explanation of disease immunopathology. Over 50 organ-specific and non-organ-specific antigens can be targeted by pemphigus autoimmunity, including desmosomal cadherins and other adhesion molecules, PERP cholinergic and other cell membrane (CM) receptors, and mitochondrial proteins. The initial insult is sustained by the autoantibodies to the cell membrane receptor antigens triggering the intracellular signaling by Src, epidermal growth factor receptor kinase, protein kinases A and C, phospholipase C, mTOR, p38 MAPK, JNK, other tyrosine kinases, and calmodulin that cause basal cell shrinkage and ripping desmosomes off the CM. Autoantibodies synergize with effectors of apoptotic and oncotic pathways, serine proteases, and inflammatory cytokines to overcome the natural resistance and activate the cell death program in keratinocytes. The process of keratinocyte shrinkage/detachment and death via apoptosis/oncosis has been termed apoptolysis to emphasize that it is triggered by the same signal effectors and mediated by the same cell death enzymes. The natural course of pemphigus has improved due to a substantial progress in developing of the steroid-sparing therapies combining the immunosuppressive and direct anti-acantholytic effects. Further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms mediating immune dysregulation and apoptolysis in pemphigus should improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and facilitate development of steroid-free treatment of patients

The Relationship between Attachment Styles and Death Anxiety among Cardiovascular Patients

Abstract: Background & Aims: Attachment styles result from a child’s early relationships with their primary care provider. We should bear in mind that there is a significant correlation between these styles and emotional disorders (death anxiety) occurring throughout an individual’s life. If these connections are not formed correctly during early childhood, the individual will most likely suffer mental and physical illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, in the future. Therefore, the present research aims to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and death anxiety among cardiovascular patients. Methods: The research method used was descriptive-correlational. The research population includes all cardiovascular patients living in Shahriar city, Iran. Moreover, the statistical samples were 120 subjects selected with purposive sampling method from three private clinics (Marjan Jamshidi, Mahmoud Rekabi, and Salehi clinics). Research data were obtained using the Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale (1970), and Hazan and Shaver’s Adult Attachment Style Questionnaire. Results: Data analysis shows that among patients with cardiovascular disease the prevalence of severe death anxiety is 41.7%, average death anxiety 28.3%, and mild death anxiety 30%. In addition, there was a significant positive relation between insecure avoidant attachment style and insecure ambivalent attachment style, and death anxiety (P<0.01). In this study, the frequency of individuals with insecure attachments (avoidant and ambivalent) were higher than those with secure attachment. Conclusion: Therefore, research results show that there is a significant correlation between attachment styles and death anxiety among cardiovascular patients during adulthood. Keywords: Attachment styles, Death anxiety, Cardiovascular patient

Religious delusions in psychotic patients : prevalence, possible origin, and effects

This chapter assessed the prevalence of religious delusions among a group of inpatients from an Egyptian mental health hospital (El-Abbassyia, Cairo). The main purpose was to investigate the frequency of religious delusions in psychotic patients, and how this affected their prognosis. Specifically, this study was carried out because there is insufficient research within Arabic-speaking cultures on the role religion plays in mental health illnesses. To achieve this goal, we investigated whether self-reported religious orientation, as well as the degree of insight patients had concerning their beliefs was related to the frequency of religious delusions. It is important to ascertain what social and interpersonal factors increase the chances of suffering delusions with religious content as it will affect the individual’s health belief model, and therefore, its adherence to treatment. The results indicate that 38% of patients suffered religious delusions, and it was found that higher religious orientation and higher conviction in their beliefs was associated with increased chances of experiencing religious delusions. This growing body of knowledge underscores the need to attend more fully to the potentially destructive (and constructive) roles of religion in psychiatric diagnosis, assessment, and treatment