A Qualitative Investigation of Language Learners’ Epistemological Beliefs: Core Dimensions and Development in Focus

Language Learners’ epistemological beliefs (LLEBs), as their conceptions about the nature of L2 knowledge and L2 knowing, are among the determinants of the route and the outcome of language learning; however, research into their dimensional and developmental nature is at the premium. This qualitative study was designed to (a) unravel the dimensions of LLEBs, and (b) delineate data-driven dimension-specific developmental patterns. Following “maximum variation” sampling, data obtained in 30 one-to-one semi-structured oral interviews were subjected to directed qualitative content analysis to detect utterances related to L2 knowledge and knowing conceptions. Seventeen themes each reflecting beliefs about one of epistemological beliefs’ core dimensions (i.e., knowledge certainty: N=4; simplicity: N=4; source: N=5; and justification: N=4) were extracted, and inter-coder agreement ensured. In the second phase, data obtained in three separate focus-group interviews from another 18-member sample selected via “critical case sampling” were analyzed to sketch differential dimension-related beliefs, if any, and sketch possible developmental paths. The results showed clear distinctions across the three sub-samples in terms of all the 17 LLEBs’ themes extracted in phase 1, roughly reflecting Baxter Magolda’s (1992) four-point epistemological development continuum from “absolute knowing” through “transitional knowing” and “independent knowing” to “contextual knowing.” The findings indicate the dimensionality and developmental nature of LLEBs, and the alignment of LLEBs with research on domain-general epistemology

Transition to Psychosis: Evaluation of the First-Degree ‎Relatives of Patients with Schizophrenia ‎

Objective: Schizophrenia and other psychoses have devastating personal and social impacts and many efforts have been devoted to study ‎prodromal syndromes for psychosis in order to achieve earlier detection and interventions. However, only few studies have been ‎performed in developing countries on this subject, and there is a dearth of evidence in the Iranian population. In this study, we ‎focused on conversion rate to psychosis and changes in prodromal symptoms in a group of first-degree relatives of patients with ‎schizophrenia and to compare the conversion rate in those with and without prodromal symptoms as assessed by the Structured ‎Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS) and Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS).‎‎ Method: Participants were the first-degree relatives of hospitalized patients with schizophrenia at Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran, Iran. At baseline, ‎a trained psychiatrist interviewed the participants using the SIPS and the SOPS and assigned them to high- or low-risk groups either ‎based on the presence of prodromal criteria or seeking mental health services. After 12 months, the same examiner re-evaluated ‎the participants in order to determine the changes in their symptoms and identify the probable transitions to psychosis.‎ Results: One hundred participants, 50 participants within each of high- or low-risk groups, were recruited at baseline. Eight participants ‎dropped out of the study. At the follow-up, the rate of transition to full psychosis among high-risk group was 13% (95% CI [0.029, ‎‎0.23]), whereas none of the low-risk participants developed psychosis. None of the high-risk participants demonstrated attenuation ‎in their prodromal states after a one-year follow-up. In contrast, of the 50 low-risk participants, three experienced prodromal ‎symptoms for psychosis during this period. High-risk participant’s illustrated higher severity in almost all of the SOPS items compared ‎to the low-risk participants at both baseline and follow-up evaluations. Conclusion: Prodromal syndrome for psychosis based on the SIPS and the SOPS was a predictive factor for transition to psychosis after a 12-‎month period in a group of first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Iran. Conducting ‎further studies on this at-risk population is highly recommended in order to provide practical methods for early screening and ‎therapeutic intervention

Association of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin- Like Receptor Genes in Iranian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by persistent synovitis, ultimately leading to cartilage and bone degeneration. Natural Killer cells and CD28 null T-cells are suspected as role players in RA pathogenesis. These cells are similar in feature and function, as they both exert their cytotoxic effect via Killer Cell Immunoglobulin- Like Receptors (KIR) on their surface. KIR genes have either an inhibitory or activating effect depending on their intracytoplasmic structure. Herein we genotyped 16 KIR genes, 3 pseudo genes and 6 HLA class І genes as their corresponding ligands in RA patients and control subjects.In this case-control study, KIR and HLA genes were genotyped in 400 RA patients and 372 matched healthy controls using sequence-specific primers (SSP-PCR). Differences in the frequency of genes and haplotypes were determined by χ² test.KIR2DL2, 2DL5a, 2DL5b and activating KIR: KIR2DS5 and 3DS1 were all protective against RA. KIR2DL5 removal from a full Inhibitory KIR haplotype converted the mild protection (OR = 0.56) to a powerful predisposition to RA (OR = 16.47). Inhibitory haplotype No. 7 comprising KIR2DL5 in the absence of KIR2DL1 and KIR2DL3 confers a 14-fold protective effect against RA.Individuals carrying the inhibitory KIR haplotype No. 6 have a high potential risk for developing RA

The Comparison of children Physical Growth Status Between Turkman and Non-Tutkman in rural area in Gorgan, North of Iran

Background and Objective: Anthropometric indeces are the best methods for determining of malnutrition and obesity in children and young adulescent worldwide. This study was designed to compare the physical growth status between Turkman and non-Turkman in rural area in Gorgan in North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross – sectional descriptive was done on 551 children of 2-5 years of age, Turkman and 895 of non-Turkman in the rural area of Gorgan North of Iran during autumn 2005. Height, weight and personal identification recorded by questioners. BMI percentile and under -1sd ,-2sd and -3sd from NCHS used for comparison. Data were analyzed by using Chi-Square and T-student tests. Results: Mean±SD of height in female Turkman and non-Turkman were 95.3±8.1 and 90.5±8.4 cm respectivly means±SD of height were 96.0±7.6 and 90.9±8.6 cm in Turkman and non-Turkman, respectively. Male childrens mean±SD of weight in were 14.5±2.4 and 14.2±2.9 and in male Turkman and non-Turkman children respectively. Also means±SD of weight were 15.0±2.03 and 14.5±2.3 cm in Turkman and non-Turkman male children, respectively. Turkman children are about 426 gram heavier and 4.9 cm taller than non-Turkman in all of age groups (P<0.05). Stunting and underweight were observed in 13.2% and 1.9% in Turkman group less than non-Turkman respectively by -2sd criterion. There was a significant differences between two groups by stunting (P<0.05). Obesity and overweight exist in Turkman group 24.5% and 2.6% less than in non-Turkman respectively. The difference in obesity statistically was significant between two groups (P<0.05). Underweight was shown in female more than male (7.2% vs 4.2%) and obesity in female less than male (25.6% vs 28.9%). Conclusion: This study showed that secular growth in two groups is incompatible and it is better in Turkman group than non-Turkman group. Malnutrition in Turkmans was less than Non-Turkmans children

SD1000: High Sustained Viral Response Rate in 1361 Patients With Hepatitis C Genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 Using a Low-cost, Fixed-dose Combination Tablet of Generic Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir: A Multicenter, Phase III Clinical Trial

Background. The combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir is a potent, pangenotypic regimen suitable for mass-scale hepatitis C treatment, especially in resource-limited countries where newer, expensive combinations are not available. This combination has been widely tested on genotype 4. However, Phase III trials of this combination in other genotypes have been cost prohibitive. With the introduction of generic, low-cost sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, large-scale studies in resource-limited countries are now possible. Methods. Sofosbuvir at 400 mg and daclatasvir at 60 mg were coformulated into a fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet (Sovodak, Rojan Pharma, Tehran, Iran). Patients from 46 centers were dosed for 12 or 24 weeks with or without ribavirin, in line with existing guidelines. Responses to treatment were evaluated 12 weeks after the end of treatment (for a sustained virological response at Week 12; SVR12). Results. There were 1361 patients recruited. Overall, the patients were 21% female, with a mean age of 50 years; 39% were cirrhotic; 22% were treatment-experienced; 47% were genotype 1, 41% were genotype 3, and 2% were other genotypes. The genotype was not known in 10% of the patients. The intention-to-treat and per-protocol SVR12 rates were 94.7% and 98.8%, respectively. The safety profile was unremarkable, treatment was well tolerated, and compliance with the single-tablet regimen was excellent. Conclusions. The treatment with FDC of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir achieved high SVR12 rates, equivalent to those seen in Phase III trials of other pangenotypic options, and has been conducted at a similar scale in a representative, real-world population at a cost of under $100 per patient, which makes this combination suitable for elimination protocols in resource-limited countries. Keywords:sofosbuvir; daclatasvir; Hepatitis C; sustained virological response; generic drug