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In this paper a relative analysis of moments reversion of the class of theta methods is provided for an stochastic differential equation with Poisson-driven jumps. We first determine under which conditions the first and second moments revert to steady state values. Second, we consider two different classes of implicit theta methods; theta-Euler method, and compensated theta-Euler method, and derive closed-form expressions for the conditional and asymptotic means and variances of considered methods. We provide a full analysis about the possibility to find methods able to replicate such long-terms quantities. Finally, to verify our theoretical results numerical experiments are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study explicit strong stability preserving (SSP) multiderivative general linear methods (MDGLMs) for the numerical solution of hyperbolic conservation laws. Sufficient conditions for MDGLMs up to four derivatives to be SSP are determined. In this work, we describe the construction of two external stage explicit SSP MDGLMs based on Taylor series conditions, and present examples of constructed methods up to order nine and three internal stages along with their SSP coefficients. It is difficult to apply these methods directly to the discretization of partial differential equations, as higher-order flux derivatives must be calculated analytically. We hence use a Jacobian-free approach based on the recent development of explicit Jacobian-free multistage multiderivative solvers (Chouchoulis et al. J. Sci. Comput. 90, 96, 2022) that provides a practical application of MDGLMs. To show the capability of our novel methods in achieving the predicted order of convergence and preserving required stability properties, several numerical test cases for scalar and systems of equations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study acidic sludge was refined by a novel method that involves neutralization and extraction of organic compound by a waste solvent. Study on refined sludge indicated that sulfuric acid and major of impurities were removed from sludge. Moreover, resin and asphaltene and accordingly ductility of sludge increased. In continue, different amounts of sludge residue were added to vacuum bottom for bitumen preparation. Test results indicated that sludge residue improved mechanical property and elastic modulus of bitumen. Thermal tests illustrated fine thermal stability of blends at production temperature. Also, aging data described reasonable durability for samples. Consequently, by this approach not only hazardous acidic sludge was eliminated from environment but also it improved mechanical properties of bitumen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important area of urban sustainability planning refers to the reduction of environmental impacts. Transport sector is one of the main contributors of these impacts due to its role in air pollution, greenhouse gases and CO 2 emissions. Effective actions are needed to limit the environmental impacts of transport activities. Transition studies focus on these types of actions and plans. The role of local authorities as the closest level of government to the citizens in managing transition process is highlighted because they can better understand, inform, and guide local inhabitants, businesses and industries for achieving sustainability targets. The paper aims at assessing the efforts of local public authorities in transition toward low carbon mobility in Italy. To achieve this aim a mixed method analysis was applied. First, the analysis of qualitative data obtained from interviews with urban mobility stakeholders; used to design a framework for evaluating the role of local government in transition process. Then a quantitative analysis conducted on the data gathered through a questionnaire distributed to a sample of mobility managers (or transport responsible) in municipalities. The analyses provided a final framework showing how municipalities influence low carbon mobility transition process in Italy. In conclusion, municipalities’ strategies and plans have a direct effect on the final goals. These strategies are influenced by financial support and cooperative activities, while the level of cooperation is dependent on the attitudes of deciding authorities. The paper also discusses the need to identify challenges and impediments for sustainable urban mobility transitions which was highlighted by stakeholders but less valued by local authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To date, there has been no specific survey of the prevalence of methamphetamine (MA) dependence among Iranian women in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). The current study aimed at addressing this critical gap in the literature. Method: This study was part of a larger cross-sectional survey, which was conducted in 36 MMT clinics in Tehran during 2015 and 2016. A researcher-designed questionnaire was devised to collect data on demographics and drug and treatment characteristics. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 19. Results: Overall, 307 women were in the study sites. Of them, 275 were MA dependent (89.5%) while in MMT. The mean age of the participants, who were MA-dependent, was 38 years. Age of MA dependence was 30 years, and duration of MA dependence was 7years. However, only 24.3% of the participants were currently in MA treatment (i.e. Matrix Model). This was accompanied with high rates of psychiatric hospitalization (29.4%), anxiety (33.4%), and depression (50.9%) because of long years of untreated MA dependence. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of untreated MA dependence and its adverse health impacts among the participants. However, no considerable treatment for MA dependence had been received by the participants. Psychosocial treatments should address MA dependence in MMT in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: There is no review of HIV responses in Arab states on the southern Persian Gulf border. This narrative review aimed to describe and synthesize HIV responses in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Evidence Acquisition: A review of scientific databases and grey literature was conducted based on an international guide. Overall, 16 original studies and reports were found. Results: The review indicates that HIV has been found present in each Arab state based on sporadic case finding. The prevalence of HIV is the result of heterosexual relationship and/ordruginjection. Mandatory testing of the nationalsandexpatriate workers is themainroute of HIV detection. In general, HIVknowledgeandeducation are poor. Only Bahrain has some non-governmental organizations that provide HIV education. Lack of identifying key populations and high risk behaviors has been reported in all of the states. HIV responses are mainly for Arab and Arabic-speaking nationals. Effective strategic plans for HIV have not been developed in all of the states. The provision of antiretroviral therapy for the nationals is the main HIV response. Only Qatar has paid for the treatment of Qatari and non-Qatari HIV-infected patients. As a HIV response, drug treatment is based on short-term inpatient rehabilitation. Only Qatar has voluntary HIV counseling and testing. Lack of needle and syringe programs has been reported for people who inject drugs with HIV problem in all of the states. Conclusions: To conclude, HIV problem needs a comprehensive policy response in each state. Providing effective strategic plans for HIV and sero-surveillance data systems is required. Empowering human resources and infrastructural development are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Western and Southwest Asia, literature is not documented on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) programs in Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The present study is the first brief review that describes HIV programs in these three neighboring countries. Methods: Data regarding the evidence of HIV programs were gathered through a systematic literature searching. English publications were retrieved through searching online scientific databases. Grey literature was also searched online. The review was based on the studies related to the last decade. Findings: Systematic searching resulted in retrieving 21,948 studies but only 21 studies were relevant to the study aim. The review findings indicated that Iran has provided a nationwide sero-surveillance data system and has identified its key populations. Detecting HIV prevalence has been limited to case-finding in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. However, strategic plans for HIV have been provided in the three countries. HIV education, knowledge and support have been provided but still needs consideration in the three countries especially in Iraq. The low coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has remained a critical gap in the provision of comprehensive HIV programs in these three countries. This issue has been followed by the lack of opiate substitution therapies for drug dependents and injecting drug users in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Condom promotion and voluntary HIV counselling and testing have been provided for at-risk groups in the three countries but need more nationwide coverages. However, needle and syringe programs (NSPs) have been only provided in Iran. Conclusion: The review concluded that the provision of effective HIV programs should address training human resources and infrastructural development. This issue should be facilitated by international collaborations and governmental supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common among people who inject drugs (PWID) on methadone program in Iran (Persia). However, a few PWID on methadone program report willingness to receive HCV treatment. This study aimed to assess the factors which were associated with willingness to receive HCV treatment in a group of PWID on methadone program in Iran. Methods: We surveyed 187 PWID at seven drops in centers in Tehran, Iran. Details of demographic characteristics, drug use, injection, HCV, and drug treatment history were collected using a 25-item questionnaire. Participants were serologically tested for the current status of HCV. Findings: The study found that 28.3% of the participants were HCV seropositive. In total, 49.1% of the participants reported unwillingness to receive HCV treatment. Awareness of current HCV status [odds ratio (OR) = 3.43; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33-7.26; P < 0.050]; adequate knowledge of HCV treatment centers in the community (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.24-5.38; P < 0.050); participation in an educational program on HCV (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 2.33-8.56; P < 0.001) and recent participation in the meetings of self-help groups (OR = 4.6; 95% CI: 3.43-9.33; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with current willingness to receive HCV treatment. Conclusion: The study results indicate that awareness of HCV status and the provision of adequate HCV education via different information centers can be associated with an increased willingness for HCV treatment among PWID on methadone program. Conducting more research is suggested to assess the efficacy of educational programs and self-help groups in facilitating HCV treatment among PWID on methadone program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on educating patients on health care system for making informed decisions including awareness campaigns for health experience, encouraging patients on getting primary health care through mediums like videos; and importance of physician-patient relationship.

The article reviews the Fetch website, located at www.divisionsbc.ca/provincial/fetch, used as a searchable online database by physicians to connect with patients and offer them information on health services and resources to manage their health.

The article discusses the Practice Toolkit developed by the Divisions of Family Practice of British Columbia which helps general practitioners better manage their medical practices such as clinician contracts, confidentiality agreements, and facility checklists.

Background: Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been suggested as a treatment program for methamphetamine dependence. Objectives: The current brief report aimed to assess the effectiveness of 16 sessions of this treatment for abstinence from methamphetamine and improvement of psychological well-being among methadone-maintained patients. Methods: Overall, 200 male and female methadone patients who were on stable methadone doses were assigned to either an interventiongroup( n=100) or a controlgroup(n=100). Thestudywaspart of arandomizedcontrolled trial conducted in fivemethadone services in Shiraz, near the Persian Gulf of Iran. All methamphetamine-dependent participants were assessed using two questionnaires at baseline, post-test (the end of the 16th cognitive-behavioral therapy or control session), and a three-month follow-up that was conducted90days after the endof the 16th session. Urinalyses were also conducted to detectmethamphetamineuse at thesame assessment points. The control group was in a wait-list control condition. There was no participant attrition during the assessment procedures. Results: Overall, 30 participants in the treatment group became abstinent at post-test and remained abstinent at follow-up. 16 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy led to a significant reduction in methamphetamine use (P < 0.001) and improved psychological well-being (P < 0.001) in the treatment group while there was no significant change in the control group. Conclusions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be an efficacious option for methamphetamine problem in methadone treatment although further studies are suggested on long-term abstinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) dependence is a health concern in Iran (Persia). One main impacted group is female methadone patients. Objectives: The aim of this paper was to briefly report the prevalence of MA dependence among female methadone patients in 3 large cities of Iran. The other aim was to report the status of psychological well-being and social functioning among MA-dependent and non-MA dependent participants. Methods: In the first survey of Iran, 570 females were recruited from 38 main methadone clinics in Mashhad, Karaj, and Isfahan. A researcher-designed questionnaire was used to collect baseline demographics, details of MA use, and treatment history. Results: Of them, 266 females were MA-dependent. In other words, the prevalence of MA dependence among females was 46.6%. The length of MA dependence was 5 years. The adverse health impacts of high doses of methadone use were the main self-reported reasons for MA dependence. These adverse health impacts included depression (n = 118, 44.36%), oversleeping (n = 88, 33.08%), and low physical energy to do the housework (n = 60, 22.55%). However, lifetime MA treatment was only 25%. The prevalence of MA dependence was significantly associated with poor psychological well-being (P < 0.01) and social dysfunction (P < 0.01) among MA dependent females compared with non-MA dependent females. Conclusions: Methamphetamine dependence was common and associated with serious health problems. Special treatment services should be provided for these females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Untreated Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) has been reported among many Iranian female methadone patients. However, few of them report receiving HCV treatment. The present study is the first research from western Asia that explored the barriers to receiving HCV treatment among a group of Iranian female HCVinfected methadone patients. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in four main methadone treatment clinics in Tehran, Iran, in November 2016. Overall, fifty-six untreated HCV-infected women and eight clinicians from HCV and methadone treatment services were interviewed. Women either had not received HCV treatment or received HCV treatment but left it. Data were analyzed using NVivo software. This was based on the grounded theory of Strauss and Corbin. Findings: Barriers to receiving HCV treatment included factors related to individuals and factors related to the system. Individual factors included the perception that untreated HCV infection was not a serious health concern, family responsibilities, and self-perceived discrimination against HCV-infected women. Systemrelated factors included the lack of referral from methadone treatment staff, and a long distance between HCV treatment centers and methadone treatment centers. Interviews with the health professionals also confirmed the women’ self-reports. Conclusion: The results of this research confirm the necessity of providing HCV education and the delivery of comprehensive care for this group in methadone treatment clinics. Other services such as staff education and HCV treatment services at methadone treatment centers are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases that affects 5%–10% of women of childbearing age. Several factors contribute to the development of PCOS such as dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis and ovarian function, as well as increased insulin levels. The manifestations of the disorder include a wide range of symptoms, including menstrual disorders, acne, infertility, and increased body fat. Currently, the most well-known treatments for PCOS are clomiphene, metformin, letrozole, and tamoxifen. Due to their side effects, the identification of substitute drugs is essential. One of the traditional medicines, which is usually used in different parts of the world, particularly in Western Europe, is Bryonia dioica Jacq. (B. dioica). This plant is used in the treatment of disease due to its active ingredients like polyphenols. Materials and Methods: Induction PCOS in a female rat (3 weeks old) was performed through subcutaneous injection of testosterone enanthate (1 mg/100g) daily for 35 days. The effects of B. dioica (30 and 60 mg/kg) root methanolic extract on PCOS-induced was evaluated after 28-day treatment. On the last day, the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), glucose, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone and histological studies (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] staining) were measured. Results: Results showed that FSH and LH levels (P < 0.05) as well as glucose (P < 0.001) in the B. dioica groups normalized significantly compared to the PCOS group. LDL levels decreased in rats and the LDL/HDL ratio decreased in all treatment groups. In histologic assay, metformin and B. dioica restricted the effects of testosterone in the ovaries of rats. Conclusion: The data indicate that methanolic extract of B. dioica recovers hormonal factors in PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate whether working memory (WM) and planning performances can be enhanced using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). A total of 30 healthy individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: active (A)-tDCS and control (S)-tDCS. Anodal stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (F3) and cathodal stimulation over the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) (FP2) were further implemented at 2 mA in the A-tDCS group, while there was no intervention in the control group. The tools used were software versions of the three-level n-back task and Tower of London (TOL) task, and for each task we measured participants' response accuracy and response time. The results showed a significant difference between the groups in both cognitive functions, suggesting that tDCS can improve response accuracy in memory and problem-solving ability, but it is less effective in terms of improving response time on planning. Overall, findings suggest that tDCS can enhance WM and planning performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a part of a larger, mixed-methods research study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 adults with depressive symptoms to understand the role that past health care discrimination plays in shaping help-seeking for depression treatment and receiving preferred treatment modalities. We recruited to achieve heterogeneity of racial/ethnic backgrounds and history of health care discrimination in our participant sample. Participants were Hispanic/Latino (n = 4), non-Hispanic/Latino Black (n = 8), or non-Hispanic/Latino White (n = 9). Twelve reported health care discrimination due to race/ethnicity, language, perceived social class, and/or mental health diagnosis. Health care discrimination exacerbated barriers to initiating and continuing depression treatment among patients from diverse backgrounds or with stigmatized mental health conditions. Treatment preferences emerged as fluid and shaped by shared decisions made within a trustworthy patient–provider relationship. However, patients who had experienced health care discrimination faced greater challenges to forming trusting relationships with providers and thus engaging in shared decision-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapeutic community program (TCP) is available for opioid users in Iran (Persia), the most populous Persian Gulf country. TCP can reduce opioid use and some associated harms. However, there are few studies about TCP in Iran. Objectives: The current qualitative study aimed to explore the self-perceived positive and negative aspects of TCP among a group of Persian opioid users in Tehran. Methods: The studywasconducted at a large men-onlyTCcenter betweenDecember2010andJuly 2011. Overall, 50opioid users were interviewed in eight roundtable meetings. Nine key informants were individually interviewed. NVivo 10 was used to thematically analyze the data. Results: The mean age of the participantswas 38 (SD = 9) years. Participants were dependent on opioids. The thematic data analyses indicated that peer support, group meetings, and the lack of medications were the most frequently self-perceived positive aspects of TCP. Untreated withdrawal symptoms, long duration of residence, anxiety, and depression were the most frequently reported negative aspects of TCP. Conclusions: The identified positive treatment aspects should be considered to improve the TCP quality. The identified negative treatment aspects should be managed in the provision of TCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opioid use on a stable methadone dose is a health concern in Iran, themost populous Persian Gulf country. However, the underlying reasons associated with opioid use have not been studied. Objectives: The study aimed to explore the reasons associated with opioid use among a group of Persian methadone-maintained women. The other aim was to explore effective interventions to stop this problem. Methods: The current qualitative study was conducted between June 2008 and December 2009. The study sites included ten large methadone treatment clinics in Tehran. The study employed semi-structured interviews with 50 women. Six roundtable meetings were conducted with nine key informants. NVivo 10 was used to thematically analyze the data. Results: Women were on a stable methadone dose of 45 - 115 mg for at least six months. Opioid availability, an opioid-dependent lifestyle, peer pressure and self-treatment were the reasons of opioid use. The provision of cognitive-behavioral therapy, life skills, observational learning, and mental health services were the suggested interventions to stop opioid use. Conclusions: Opioid use on a stable methadone dose had been facilitated by some factors which should be considered in methadone treatment. The suggested interventions should be considered in increasing methadone treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]