Genetic characterization of Garra rufa (Heckel, 1843) populations in Tigris Basin, Iran using microsatellite markers

The isolation-by-distance theory states that the genetic differentiation between individuals raised by increasing geographic distance. Therefore, this study tested this hypothesis for Garra rufa, a freshwater fish species of Iranian inland waters, from six rivers located at the different distances in Tirgis basin. For this purpose, eight variable microsatellite loci were applied to identify geographic-based population structure of G. rufa. From 240 fish of six populations, 102 alleles were found with a mean number of 11.625 to 13.250 alleles. Heterozygosity was ranged 0.567-0.638 in six studied populations. Moreover, a significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg were found in the studied populations. Unweight pair group analysis indicated that the six studied populations could be divided into four major clusters. The results revealed a fairly high level of genetic variation in the microsatellite loci within six studied populations. Wright’s fixation index (Fst) ranged between 0.013-0.044 indicating little genetic differentiation between populations. Within this range, however, we found a strong positive relation between Fst and geographical distance lending support to the isolation-by-distance theory

A NEW GENERALIZED VARENTROPY AND ITS PROPERTIES

The variance of Shannon information related to the random variable $X$, which is called varentropy, is a measurement that indicates, how the information content of $X$ is scattered around its entropy and explains its various applications in information theory, computer sciences, and statistics. In this paper, we introduce a new generalized varentropy based on the Tsallis entropy and also obtain some results and bounds for it. We compare the varentropy with the Tsallis varentropy. Moreover, we explain the Tsallis varentropy of the order statistics and analyse this concept in residual (past) lifetime distributions and then introduce two new classes of distributions by them

Superpulsed CO 2

Background. Periorbital basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is considered a high risk case because it is associated with high rate of recurrence and complication. Superpulsed CO2 laser with intraoperative pathologic assessment could be an alternative and appropriate treatment for periocular lesions where Mohs micrographic surgery is not available. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of superpulsed CO2 laser therapy with intraoperative pathologic assessment on periocular BCC involving eyelash line. Method. This follow-up study was performed on 20 patients with a total of 21 BCC lesions that were pathologically documented. Firstly, debulkation of tumoral mass was done by curettage. Then, irradiation and intraoperative pathologic evaluation were done by concurrent CO2 laser. The patients were followed up for a period of 36 months. Results. Out of 21 lesions, the nodular type accounted for 15 (71.4%) lesions, and 12 (57.1%) lesions were seen in the lower lid as the most common clinical type and site involvement. Twenty BCC lesions (95.2%) were treated after one session. Damage to eyelash was seen in 2 (10%) patients, but ectropion and other complications were not seen in any patient. Conclusion. Treatment with superpulsed CO2 laser and intraoperative pathologic evaluation for periorbital BCC lesions much close to conjunctiva could be an effective method with minimal complications without major danger of recurrence. This modality can be used with care in the inner canthus and high risk pathologic lesions

Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Sleep Quality Among Patients Under Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Background: Patients under Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) are susceptible to several problems, including sleep disturbances and risk of relapse. The present study aimed to assess the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on sleep quality of addicts under MMT.Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 27 male patients who underwent maintenance methadone therapy in MMT clinics of Mashhad City, Iran. They were divided into the experimental and sham groups. The experimental group received seven 20-min sessions of tDCS every other day. In the sham group, the electrical current was delivered for a few seconds, but the electrodes were remained to the end of the session. Sleep quality was measured at baseline, during, and after the intervention by Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics, such as t test, Chi-square, Mann Whitney, and Fischer exact test in SPSS v. 25.Results: The difference between the two groups after tDCS in sleep duration was significant (P=0.04). In the experimental group, the total score of sleep had a reducing trend (P<0.000), while in the sham group, the overall score in 3 phases of evaluation had no significant change (P=0.19). However, the rate of inappropriate sleep quality was not significant between the two groups after the intervention (P=0.12).Conclusion: This trial demonstrated the positive effect of tDCS on sleep quality in patients under MMT programs. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings

Genetic structure of Afghan Pika (Ochotona rufescens) in Northern Khorasan Province

The aim of this research was to study the genetic structure of the Afghan Pika’s (Ochotona rufescens) populations in Northern Khorasan province in order to determine their isolation rate. A total of 122 samples from four sample groups (Ghorkhod, Golol-Sarani, Salouk and Sarigol) were selected and the genotypic features were detected using 7 microsatellite loci. The results showed that all of the loci were subject to polymorphism and the allele ranged from 2 – 7. Significant Fst and Rst values were found among the populations based on the AMOVA test. Based on the Assignment Test, more than 90 percent of the individuals of the populations belonged to their original population (only 10 percent of the individuals belonged to other populations). A Paired comparison of genetic differentiation between the populations revealed significant deferences among them. The results of the Prichard model grouping showed that the samples collected in this study were approximately 7 groups. The results of AMOVA analysis revealed a significant genetic structure among different populations. Also, the majority of the variance is related to the variance within the population. There seems to be a different but small genetic structure among the studied populations

Acute burn during pregnancy: A retrospective study

Background & aim: The incidence of acute burn injuries in pregnant women is very low. Burn injuries during pregnancy are often associated with a high rate of fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. In this study, we aimed to review the cases of acute burn during pregnancy and evaluate the outcome of these patients in Mashhad, Iran. Methods:This retrospective study was performed using the medical records of 48 pregnant women with thermal injuries over a 13-year period. Results: The results showed that 8 (16.7%), 27 (56.3%), and 13 (27.1%) patients were in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Moreover, 14 mothers (29.2%) died, 24 (50.0%) were discharged without any fetal problems, eight (16.7%) had fetal death, 13 (27.1%) had abortion, two (4.2%) had normal vaginal delivery, and one (2.1%) underwent normal caesarean section. Conclusion: The rate ofmaternal survival in the first and second trimesters was higher than the third one. In the third trimester, pregnancy termination is indicated only after fetal maturation

Burden of Drug and Alcohol Use Disorders in Iran: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010

Background: Due to its specific socio-cultural and geographical situation, Iran has a major public health problem in terms of drug and alcohol use. The aim of this study is to report and critique the burden of drug and alcohol use disorders in Iran, and to compare these measurements with similar findings. Methods: This study used data for Iran for the years 1990, 2005, and 2010 derived from the Global Burden of Disease study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in 2010. The burden of drug and alcohol use disorders was evaluated in terms of disability adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost to premature mortality (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs). Results: All rates were reported per 100,000 individuals. Death rates attributed to drug and alcohol use disorders were 7.7 and 0.16 for men, and 0.62 and 0.02 for women, respectively. YLL rates regarding drug use disorders were 351.8 and 24.8 for men and women, while these figures were 5.8 and 1.0 for alcohol use disorders for men and women, respectively. YLD rates of drug use disorders were 452.6 for men and 202.1 for women, and 105.8 for men and 23.7 for women for alcohol use disorders. DALY rates attributed to drug use disorders were 804.5 for men and 227 for women, while these rates were 111.7 for men and 24.7 for women, related to alcohol use disorders. Conclusions: Similar to the cases in many other countries, the burden of both drug and alcohol use disorders is higher for men than women in Iran. Although prevention policies and programs for drug and alcohol use are required for both genders, the need for drug and alcohol use intervention seems more urgent for men in Iran

Sexual and reproductive health needs of HIV-positive people in Tehran, Iran: a mixed-method descriptive study

Background: People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are highly stigmatized and consequently hard-to-access by researchers and importantly, public health outreach in Iran, possibly due to the existing socio-cultural situation in this country. The present study aimed to evaluate the sexual and reproductive health needs of PLHIV in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Methods: As a mixed-method descriptive study, this project was conducted in 2012 in Tehran, Iran. In this study, we evaluated and discussed socio-demographic characteristics, family and social support, sexual behaviors, fertility desires and needs, PMTCT services, contraceptive methods, unintended pregnancy and safe abortion, and Pap smear tests among 400 participants referring to the behavioral disorders consulting centers. Results: Of the sample 240 (60%) were male and 160 (40%) were female. About 50% of women and 40% of men were 25-34 years old. More than 60% of men and 96% of women were married, while more than 50% of the participants had HIV-positive spouses at the time of study. According to the results, fertility desire was observed among more than 30% of female and 40% of male participants. Results of the in-depth interviews indicate that the participants are not satisfied with most of the existing services offered to address their sexual and reproductive health needs. Conclusion: Despite the availability of services, most of sexual and reproductive health needs of the PLHIV are overlooked by the health system in Iran. Paying attention to sexual and reproductive health needs of PLHIV in Iran not only protects their right to live long and healthy lives, but also may prevent the transmission of HIV from the patients to others within the community