Evaluation of prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis G virus infection among hemodialysis patients referred to Iranian Army Hospitals in Tehran during 2012-2013

Background: GB virus C (GBV-C) or hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a newly discovered and enveloped RNA positive-stranded flavivirus-like particle, which has not yet been proven to have major negative effects on liver. Objectives: Increasing the risk of blood-borne infections in hemodialysis patients is a main health care concern in different countries. Therefore, it is important to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis G virus infection in Iranian hemodialysis patients to design standard prevention and treatment plans. Patients and Methods: In this multicenter observational or epidemiologic study, 138 patients who underwent hemodialysis in Iranian Army hospitals in Tehran were included. Serum HIV antibody (Ab), HCV antibody and HBS antigen (Ag) were assessed. Demographic data such as gender, age, blood group, cause of renal failure, dialysis onset and duration were collected from medical files. GBV-C/HGV was evaluated by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Then, all data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 13. Results: In total, 81 males and 57 females were included. The mean age of patients was 62.16 ± 14.86 years. Six (4.3) had positive results for GBV-C/HGV by RT-PCR. Except gender (P = 0.045) and duration of dialysis in a week (P 0.05). All patients had negative results for HIV Ab, HCV Ab and HBS Ag. Conclusions: Overall, 4.3 of patients had positive results for GBV-C/HGV and all negative for HIV, HCV and HBV. Further studies are needed to elucidate real prevalence, risk factors and characteristics of HGV infection in Iranian hemodialysis patients. © 2015, Kowsar Corp

Dramatic rise in cesarean birth in Iran: A coalition of private medical practices and women�s choices

Objectives: Cesarean delivery without medical indication has regularly increased among Iranian women in the last three decades, and Iran has one of the highest rates of cesarean in the world. The present study aimed at reviewing the studies regarding the increase of cesarean in Iran and discussing the root causes for such an increase. Methods: This literature review focused on the existing quantitative and qualitative studies conducted from January 1990 to January 2019 regarding the reasons for an increase in the cesarean section in Iran. The combination of keywords including �cesarean section�, �C-section�, �cesarean delivery�, and �Iran� was searched in several databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science and Scopus, along with national databases (e.g., SID, MagIran, Iran Medex, and IranDoc). Results: A dramatic rise in cesarean birth stems from a number of factors including the role of health care professionals, insurance companies, socio-cultural factors, and the health policies, all of which have their roots in the medicalization of birth. Conclusions: In general, reducing the cesarean on maternal request necessitates the de-medicalization of birth, cultural awareness through the mass media, informing women of the long-term complications of cesarean, and physical and mental preparation of the mother. In addition, other contributing factors include encouraging inter-professional teamwork and collaboration between midwives and obstetrician-gynecologists, transforming the current curriculum of the midwifery and residency education, applying the midwifery-led care models, and decreasing the fear of litigation in midwifery and obstetrics-gynecology. Otherwise, maternal and fetal mortality will rise in the near future due to increased complications in subsequent pregnancies. © 2020 The Author(s)

Practical difficulties in estimating the prevalence of primary infertility in Iran

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s clinical, epidemiological and demographic definitions, infertility is an inability to become pregnant within one, two or five years of exposure to pregnancy, respectively. Inconsistent infertility-related definitions and various methodological approaches make it difficult to compare quantitative data in this regard and consequently, have negatively influenced estimating the prevalence of infertility. The present study reviewed the results of a large population-based survey on how the clinical, epidemiological and demographic definitions of infertility produce different results in terms of infertility prevalence in Iran and subsequently, compared the findings in order to find the right time of treatment-seeking by couples. Materials and Methods: This community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out by Avicenna Research Institute in the urban and rural parts of Iran between 2010 and 2011. Using cluster sampling, the reproductive history of 17,187 married women aged 20-40 years, was recorded. Totally, 1011 clusters were randomly selected according to post office codes, proportional to the population of the province. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of the data was carried out by SPSS statistical software. Results: The prevalence of primary infertility based on the WHO�s clinical, epidemiological and demographic definitions were 20.2, 12.8 and 9.2, respectively. In addition, secondary infertility rate was 4.9. Conclusion: Infertility estimates over a two-year exposure period made a 50 decrease in infertility rate; however, increasing exposure period to five years made no significant difference in infertility rate. The findings showed that most of the couples will get pregnant within two years of unprotected sexual intercourse and thus, need no treatment. Due to practical difficulties in estimating the prevalence of primary infertility, the reference limit for time to pregnancy, should be reconsidered and giving more time to younger women to become pregnant, seems reasonable. © 2019, Royan Institute (ACECR). All rights reserved

The impact of third party reproduction on family and kinship

The development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the UK, in 1978, proved a major breakthrough in the process of human reproduction, which had remained constant in human history. The impact of IVF and the ensuing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) has not been limited in revolutionizing the "natural" practice of biological reproduction, but has reached out to and affected almost every institution in society. Family and kinship, as the social expression of reproduction and the institutions which are the most transparently structured realm of human life are those most profoundly affected by ARTs. Although literature on the implications of ARTs is in general abundant, this article presents new insights on their impact on family and kinship in Iran, which remains a unique case in the Muslim world. It explores the particular way ARTs, especially third-party donation, have been endorsed and practiced in Iran, and their consequences for the family, the infertile individuals, and their position vis-à -vis their kin and social group. The conclusion points to the lack of clarity concerning the initial rulings by the Islamic jurists, who allowed the practice of ARTs, and which has led to a number of unintended consequences regarding the legal, religious, cultural, and ethical issues, affecting the family, its structure and the relationship between the kin group. These consequences range, inter alia, from the question of the anonymity of third-party donor, to the permissibility of gamete donation between blood relatives, and to the absence of enforceable legislation. © 2021 Avicenna Research Institute. All rights reserved

Novel and emerging mutations of SARS-CoV-2: Biomedical implications

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 virus strains has geographical diversity associated with diverse severity, mortality rate, and response to treatment that were characterized using phylogenetic network analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Although, there is no explicit and integrative explanation for these variations, the genetic arrangement, and stability of SARS-CoV-2 are basic contributing factors to its virulence and pathogenesis. Hence, understanding these features can be used to predict the future transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection, drug development, and vaccine. In this review, we discuss the most recent findings on the mutations in the SARS-CoV-2, which provide valuable information on the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, especially for DNA-based diagnosis, antivirals, and vaccine development for COVID-19. © 202

Corrigendum to: �Novel and emerging mutations of SARS-CoV-2: Biomedical implications� Biomed. Pharmacother. 139 (2021) 111599 (Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (2021) 139, (S075333222100384X), (10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111599))

The authors regret the incorrect publication of affiliations of some of the authors in the original article. The correct affiliation of the authors are presented below: Elmira Mohammadia,b Fatemeh Shafieec Kiana Shahzamanid Mohammad Mehdi Ranjbare Abbas Alibakhshif Shahrzad Ahangarzadehg Leila Beikmohammadih,i Laleh Shariatij,k Soodeh Hooshmandil Behrooz Ataeim Shaghayegh HaghjooyJavanmarda a Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Physiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran b Core Research Facilities, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran c Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran d Isfahan Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center (lGHRC), Isfahan University of medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran e Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran f Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran g Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran h Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands i Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14155-6559 Tehran, Iran j Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran k Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran l Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran m Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. © 202

New System for the Acceleration of the Airflow in Wind Turbines

Background: This patent is based on the wind industry technology called Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbines (DAWTs). This technology consists of a horizontal axis wind turbine, which is housed inside a duct with diverging section in the direction of the free air stream. In this paper, a review of preceding patents related to this technology is carried out. Objective: This paper presents an innovative patent to improve the performance of horizontal axis wind turbines. In particular, this system is aimed at improving the performance of those turbines that otherwise might not be installed due to the low wind resource existing at certain locations. Methods: The most innovative elements of this patent are: (1) the semi-spherical grooves, which are mechanized on the surface of the two diffusers in order to guarantee a more energetic boundary layer; (2) the coaxial diffuser, which is located downwind following the first diffuser in order to increase the suction effect on the air mass close to the inlet; (3) the coaxial rings located around the first diffuser outlet, which are used to deflect the external airflow toward the turbine wake; and (4), the selforientating system to orientate the system by the prevailing wind direction. Results: An application of the patent for increasing the power generated by a horizontal axis wind turbine with three blades is presented. The patent is designed and its performance is evaluated by using a Computational Fluid Dynamics code. The numerical results show that this system rises the airflow going through the rotor of the turbine. Conclusion: The patented device is an original contribution aimed at enabling a more profitable installation of wind turbines in places where the wind resource is insufficient because of the wind shear caused both by the proximity of the earth and the obstacles on the earth surface.This work was supported by the OASIS Research Project that was cofinanced by CDTI (Spanish Science and Innovation Ministry) and developed with the Spanish companies: Iridium, OHL Concesiones, Abertis, Sice, Indra, Dragados, OHL, Geocisa, GMV, Asfaltos Augusta, Hidrofersa, Eipsa, PyG, CPS, AEC and Torre de Comares Arquitectos S.L and 16 research centres. The authors also acknowledge the partial funding with FEDER funds under the Research Project FC-15-GRUPIN14-004. Finally, we also thank Swanson Analysis Inc. for the use of ANSYS University Research programs as well as the Workbench simulation environment

Body appreciation around the world: Measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age.

The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely used measure of a core facet of the positive body image construct. However, extant research concerning measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across a large number of nations remains limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset - with data collected between 2020 and 2022 - to assess measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated that full scalar invariance was upheld across all nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups, suggesting that the unidimensional BAS-2 model has widespread applicability. There were large differences across nations and languages in latent body appreciation, while differences across gender identities and age groups were negligible-to-small. Additionally, greater body appreciation was significantly associated with higher life satisfaction, being single (versus being married or in a committed relationship), and greater rurality (versus urbanicity). Across a subset of nations where nation-level data were available, greater body appreciation was also significantly associated with greater cultural distance from the United States and greater relative income inequality. These findings suggest that the BAS-2 likely captures a near-universal conceptualisation of the body appreciation construct, which should facilitate further cross-cultural research. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Experiences of infertile women seeking assisted pregnancy in Iran: A qualitative study

Background: Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are complicated and stressful techniques and the social and cultural norms are major obstacles against their use. Many qualitative studies have been done in the field of women's experiences of infertility, but less is known about the experiences of infertile women seeking assisted pregnancy. The aim of this study was to understand and describe the experience of women who have used assisted reproductive technologies for their current pregnancy. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted based on a content analysis approach. With purposive sampling, 12 pregnant women who were using ART were recruited from Avicenna Fertility Center in Tehran. Women were selected purposefully and with maximum variation. Interviews were performed after a positive test of pregnancy and women were introduced to researchers in their first visit of pregnancy in the prenatal clinic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed concurrently. Semi-structured interviews were coded, categorized and the themes were also identified. Results: Four main themes were uncovered which included struggle to achieve pregnancy, fear and uncertainty, escape from stigma and the pursuit to achieve husband satisfaction. Conclusion: It is essential for these women to be counseled and prepared by their health care providers after the use of ARTs. Distress can be reduced for infertile women seeking assisted pregnancy when they are prepared for possible failures, empowered to deal with stigma, and have their partners' involvement in counseling sessions. © 2015 eISSN

HIV prevention barriers in transgender women: a qualitative study

Sexual contact is still one of the most important routes of HIV transmission. The aim of this study was identify the factors that underlie the higher prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors in a sample of transgender women in Iran. The qualitative study used face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews in a sample of 15 transgender women. Our participants used sexual practices as a way to be approved/accepted as a woman. Using sex for this purpose led them to engage in high-risk sexual relationships. It is essential to consider these issues in consulting and education about high-risk behaviors. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC