Farsi version of the strength and difficulties questionnaire self-report form: the normative data and scale properties

This study was performed to evaluate the normative data and psychometric properties and the internal consistency of the Farsi [Persian] version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ] self-report form, as a screening tool in a community-based sample of 12 to 17 year-old adolescents of urban Tehran. In this investigation, 1105 adolescents [12 to 17 years old], selected from 250 clusters from all the 22 municipality areas of Tehran, responded to 25 questions of the Farsi version SDQ self-report form. The frequency of each symptom domains according to Goodman's cutoff points and 90th percentile and the mean score in each subscale were determined. The 90th percentile cutoff points were somewhat different from those of the previous reports. Using Goodman's cutoff points, the prevalence of symptom domains was relatively high. For example, 13.7 percent of the adolescents studied had total scores equal to 20 or more. There were significant correlations between different subscales and their constituting questions. Self-report form of SDQ is a valuable tool in the screening of adolescent psychopathologies. Frequency of majority of the symptom domains seems to be higher in the adolescents in Tehran urban areas

Biochemical and antioxidant responses of borage seedlings in saline environments

Although borage [Borago officinalis L.] is a valuable medicinal plant, no information is available on the responses of this plant to salinity. For this reason, it is necessary to determine responses of this plant to salinity. Since germination and early growth stage is one of the most critical phases of plant life under salinity condition; this experiment was conducted to determine some responses of borage to salinity at the seedling stage. This experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications and four salinity treatments, including distilled water [EC=0.0dS m-1] and three saline water conditions with EC of 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 dSm-1. With increasing EC, the content of free proline, soluble carbohydrates and proteins were increased. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase [SOD], peroxidase [POD], catalase [CAT], and polyphenol oxidase [PPO] enzymes were significantly increased. Although seedlings dry weight and emergence percentage were declined with increasing EC, the seedlings had markedly growth/survival under salinity conditions. The survival and little reduction in emergence under salinity conditions [12.5%] indicated that borage was a salt tolerant species at the early growth stage. This tolerant is certainly due to the enhancement of antioxidant enzymes activities and compatible solutes content

[ preliminary analysis of the 12 transsexual patients with regards to their adaptation in means of role and gender identity after a sexual reassignment surgery]

Gender identity disorder consists of the patient's consistent desire to identify with the opposite sex and feels significant discomfort or the inability to deal with this condition. In patients resistant to treatment [Individual Psychotherapy, Psychoanalysis] operational procedure has been utilized and has been authorized in Iran through a religious decree issued by the country's late leader, Ayatollah Khomeini since 1964. A study into the instances of surgery procedures in the country has proven positive results. The procedure consists of cross-sectional study in small scale on 12 transsexual individuals consisting of 9 men and 3 women. All of the participants had sexual reassignment surgery at an average of six years prior to the study. They all were from middle class families and held an average age of 25. The participants were subjected to MMPI-1 questionnaire, [MF] MMPI-2, The Bem Sex-Role inventory and the Bem Gender Traits Test. The study showed that the patients have responded positively to the treatment in psycho-social dimension and had obtained a normal grade at the MMPI-1 test. According to the results of the Bem and MF tests they have also accepted their new identity and role. Results of Semi structural interview included all of sample agreed with their decision. Neither of the patients has expressed regret of undertaking the surgery. Multiple factors include economic status of the patients, satisfying interpersonal relationships, efficient support system, sexual partners and satisfactory sexual life, suitable familial reactions and possibility of extra surgery have prominent role to adjust them with their new identity and role in the society

Saturated picric acid prevents autophagia and self-mutilation in laboratory rats

The dysesthesia and paresthesia that occurs in laboratory rats after spinal cord injury [SCI] results in autophagia. This self-destructive behavior interferes with functional assessments in designed studies and jeopardizes the health of the injured rat. In this study, we evaluated role of saturated picric acid in the prevention of autophagia and self-mutilation. All rats were anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of a mixture of ketamine [100 mg/kg] and xylazine [10 mg/kg] for the SCI procedures. In the first 39 rats, no solution applied to the hind limbs, but in the next 26 cases, we smeared the saturated picric acid on the tail, lower extremities, pelvic, and abdomen of the rats immediately after SCI. In the rats without picric acid, 23 rats died following autophagia, but in the 26 rats with picric acid, there was no autophagia [P < 0.001]. Picric acid side effects in skin and gastrointestinal signs such as irritation, redness and diarrhea were not seen in any rat. Saturated picric acid is a topical solution that if used appropriately and carefully, might be safe and effectively prevents autophagia and self-mutilation. When the solution is applied to the lower abdomen and limbs, we presume that its bitterness effectively prevents the rat from licking and biting the limb

Road Traffic Crashes Mortality and Morbidity in Iran in 1997- 2006

Road traffic crashes are the main cause of trauma mortality in most of world countries especially Iran. The objective of this study is to evaluate R TC mortality and morbidity in the last 10 years [1997-2006]. Data were obtained from Iran official reports of police, health sources and the Statistical Centre of Iran [SCI]. These data include population, registered motor-vehicles number, RTC, RTC injuries and deaths, during the period of 1997-2006. Statistical analysis was. performed by State 8 software and significance of mortality change was evaluated by Poison distribution. RTC fatalities increased between 22.1 [95%CI, 21.7-22.4] per 100, 000 and 40.5 [95%CI 40.1-41.0] per100, 000 from 1997 to 2005, but in the last year of 2006, this trend is reversed and there was declined to 39.1 [95%CI, 38.7-39.6] per 100, 000. R TC injuries has been increased from 110 to 401 per 100000 population from 1997 to 2005, but decreased to the 393 per 100000 in 2006. This paper shows road traffic crashes mortality and mortality in Iran in recent ten years and the decrease in the last year. This decline was most probably the result of a variety of interventions, including legislation, police enforcements improvements in traffic and transport, health care facilities and media and public education. It is recommended that efforts of all responsible organizations continue in unique leadership