ABSTRACT
We evaluated structural and functional changes of fresh and frozen-thawed adult mouse spermatogonial stem cells following auto-transplantation into gamma-irra-diated testes. In this experimental research, the right testes from adult mice [n=25] were collected, then Sertoli and spermatogonial cells were isolated using two-step enzymatic digestion, lectin immobilization and differential plating. Three weeks after cultivation, the Bromodeoxyuridine [BrdU]-labeled spermatogonial cells were transplanted, via rete testis, into the other testis of the same mouse, which had been irradiated with 14Gy. The mice were transplanted with: fresh cells [control 1], fresh cells co-cultured with Sertoli cells [control 2], the frozen-thawed cells [experimental 1] and frozen-thawed cells co-cultured with Sertoli cells [experimental 2]. The morphological changes between different transplanted testes groups were compared in 8 weeks after transplantation. The statistical significance between mean values was determined by Kruskal Wallis and one-way analysis of variance in efficiency of transplantation. The statistical analysis revealed significant increases in the mean percentage of testis weight and normal seminiferous tubules following spermatogonial stem cells transplantation in the recipient's testes. The normal seminiferous tubules percentage in the co-culture system with fresh cells and frozen-thawed groups were more than those in non-transplanted and fresh cell transplanted groups [p
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Transplantation, Autologous , Mice , Spermatogonia , Testis/radiation effects , Gamma RaysABSTRACT
Objective[s]: Medical tourism is rapidly becoming a worldwide, multibillion-dollar industry. Iran has a high potential for this industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the medical tourism in Iran
Methods: The present study was conducted as a descriptive and case study. The data was collected via interview, using official documents, and the related literature. Diamond Advantage was used as the research instrument. The data was analyzed using content analysis method
Results: Iran faces many challenges in medical tourism industry such as; Inadequate basic and medical infrastructures, inefficient and insufficient governmental supports, no development plan, Inadequate intersectional coordination and collaboration in macro and micro levels, no health services providers with international accreditation, and inappropriate promotions and marketing activities
Conclusion: If Iran wants to take its share of medical tourism industry in the region it should address its challenges which are mentioned above
ABSTRACT
The aim of this research was to investigate the Cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] selective inhibition effect on haloperidol-induced catatonia. In this study, the effect of orally, acutely and Sub-chronically administrations of compound 11b [1-[phenyl]-5-[4-methylsulfonylphenyl]-2-ethylthioimidazole] [2, 4 and 8 mg/kg], a newly selective COX-2 inhibitor, was investigated against the haloperidol-induced catatonia phenomenon comparing to the standard drug scopolamine [1 mg/Kg] followed by microdialysis analysis of Striatum dopaminergic neurotransmission. The results showed a great potency for compound 11b in improvement of catalepsy followed by enhancing the dopaminergic neurotransmission p < 0.05. In addition, our statistical analysis showed that the protective effect of compound 11b against haloperidol-induced catatonia was both dose- and time-dependent. These findings are additional pharmacological data that suggest the effectiveness of compound 11b in treatment of schizophrenic drug overdoses and also Parkinson's disease [PD] affiliated rigidity
ABSTRACT
Spinal anesthesia has the advantage that profound nerve block can be produced in a large part of the body by the relatively simple injection of a small amount of local anesthetic. Intrathecal local anesthetics have limited duration. Different additives have been used to prolong spinal anesthesia. The effect of corticosteroids in prolonging the analgesic effects of local anesthetics in peripheral nerves is well documented. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the addition of dexamethasone to intrathecal bupivacaine would prolong the duration of sensory analgesia or not. We conducted a randomized, prospective, double-blind, case-control, clinical trial. A total of 50 patients were scheduled for orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia. The patients were randomly allocated to receive 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% with 2 cc normal saline [control group] or 15 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% plus 8 mg dexamethasone [case group] intrathecally. The patients were evaluated for quality, quantity, and duration of block; blood pressure, heart rate, nausea, and vomiting or other complications. There were no signification differences in demographic data, sensory level, and onset time of the sensory block between two groups. Sensory block duration in the case group was 119 +/- 10.69 minutes and in the control group was 89.44 +/- 8.37 minutes which was significantly higher in the case group [P<0.001]. The duration of analgesia was 401.92 +/- 72.44 minutes in the case group; whereas it was 202 +/- 43.67 minutes in the control group [P<0.001]. The frequency of complications was not different between two groups. This study has shown that the addition of intrathecal dexamethasone to bupivacaine significantly improved the duration of sensory block in spinal anesthesia without any changes in onset time and complications
ABSTRACT
This study was designed to evaluate the common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in persons with clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism that was confirmed with laboratory tests. This descriptive cross-sectional study was done during 13 months in medical centers of Shahrood city, in central part of Iran. All cases with probable diagnosis of hypothyroidism based on the signs and symptoms, referred to health care services were included in the study. Radioimmunoassay tests and thyroid hormones evaluation were done. Demographic data and signs were recorded through interview. Data were entered in the computer and analyzed by SPSS software. Patients who completed questionnaires [n=50] were interviewed three times during this period. Female/male ratio was 6/1. The most common signs were cold intolerance [95%], weight gain and menorrhagia. The most common symptoms were edema [80%] and pallor [60%]. The severe disease was seen in 4%. Mild type was the most common presentation of hypothyroidism [60%]. The most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in the central part of Iran [Shahrood city], that is one of the iodine deficient areas in Iran; were different from other studies. Socio-demographic and nutritional status, illiteracy level and personal self-care are among the probable causes. Unfortunately, concomitance of some of the signs and symptoms are not diagnostic for hypothyroidism. It seems that strong clinical suspicious and laboratory confirmation are the only reliable methods for hypothyroidism diagnosis
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Signs and Symptoms , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cold Temperature , Weight Gain , Edema , PallorABSTRACT
Association of silica with diseases like cancers has been determined previously. This study was designed to determine the quantity of silis in flour produced in Golestan province and its relation to the esophageal cancer. We took flour samples from all flour mills in Golestan province. Base-melting method in nickel cruise was used in 550°C; the extract was reduced with acid. The differences between silis concentration in various regions were compared. P-value <0.05 was assumed significant. Median silis concentration was 0.0030 grams, mean was 0.008760 +/- 0.004265 [SD] grams in each 100 grams flour. The differences in mean silis concentrations of various regions were not significant [P>0.05]. This study did not show high level of silica in the flour of Golestan province. We could not find significant differences between silica contaminations in the various areas. Further studies on the consumed bread and rice in the various regions of the province can be helpful