Coinheritance of Sicilian (δβ)<Superscript>0</Superscript>-Thalassemia and Two Rare Hemoglobin Variants: A Complex Case of Hemoglobinopathy

α-Thalassemia (α-thal) is considered as the most common inherited hemoglobin disorder worldwide. The present study describes the first observation of a combination of rare α-chain variants, and β-globin gene cluster deletion. A 21-year-old woman with thalassemia trait, marked microcytosis, mild anemia, and normal range of Hb F was referred to Amirkola genetic center in the North of Iran for routine molecular test of thalassemia in the context of carrier detection and prevention of thalassemia major birth. Nucleotide sequencing revealed a novel compound heterozygosity status for two non-deletional mutations on HBA2, Hb O Indonesia (α116(GH4)Glu → Lys), and Hb Matsue–Oki (α75 (EF4) Asp → Asn), together with heterozygosity for the sicilian (δβ)⁰-thal mutation. This finding highlights the necessity of deep molecular investigation of thalassemia in regions where thalassemia is abundant, and present highly heterogeneous population.     

Effect of sexual education on sexual health in Iran

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a special sex education program in sexual health on Iranian newly‐wed couples. A sample of 64 couples referred to three health centers of Tehran Medicine University, a few months prior to their marriage, were divided into case and control groups. The case group received three lecture sessions given by the researcher. These lectures consisted of different aspects of sexuality such as reproductive and sexual health, the sexuality response cycle and sexual communication. The control group received only the lectures that are presented normally in the marriage preparation program, based on family planning and personal health. Six months after the program, we assessed the sexual satisfaction, healthy behaviors and sexual health of the two groups. The results indicate that the sexual health in the case group is significantly improved compared with the control group.     

Infant and young child feeding in developing countries

Feeding practices are important determinants of growth and development of children. Using infant and young child feeding indicators and complementary feeding guidelines, 7 practices in 28 countries are described, showing substantial variation across countries. Only 25% of 0- to 5-month-olds were exclusively breastfed, and only half of 6- to 8-month-olds received complementary foods the previous day. Median duration of breastfeeding and increase of fluid intake during diarrhea were low among countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI). Living in high-HDI countries may not translate to positive feeding practices. Across countries, there is a need for promotion, protection, and support of optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices as well as better adherence to recommendations for feeding during illness.     

Religion and education gender gap: Are Muslims different?

This paper uses individual-level data and a differences-in-differences estimation strategy to test whether the education gender gap of Muslims is different from that of Christians. In particular, the paper uses data for young Lebanese and shows that, other things equal, girls (both Muslim and Christian) tend to receive more education than boys and that there is no difference between the education gender gap of Muslims and Christians. Therefore, the paper finds no support for the hypothesis that Muslims discriminate against female education.