Comparison of chest CT scan findings between COVID-19 and pulmonary contusion in trauma patients based on RSNA criteria: Established novel criteria for trauma victims / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PROPOSE@#In this study, we re-assessed the criteria defined by the radiological society of North America (RSNA) to determine novel radiological findings helping the physicians differentiating COVID-19 from pulmonary contusion.@*METHODS@#All trauma patients with blunt chest wall trauma and subsequent pulmonary contusion, COVID-19-related signs and symptoms before the trauma were enrolled in this retrospective study from February to May 2020. Included patients (Group P) were then classified into two groups based on polymerase chain reaction tests (Group Pa for positive patients and Pb for negative ones). Moreover, 44 patients from the pre-pandemic period (Group PP) were enrolled. They were matched to Group P regarding age, sex, and trauma-related scores. Two radiologists blindly reviewed the CT images of all enrolled patients according to criteria defined by the RSNA criteria. The radiological findings were compared between Group P and Group PP; statistically significant ones were re-evaluated between Group Pa and Group Pb thereafter. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity of each significant findings were calculated. The Chi-square test was used to compare the radiological findings between Group P and Group PP.@*RESULTS@#In the Group PP, 73.7% of all ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and 80% of all multiple bilateral GGOs were detected (p < 0.001 and p = 0.25, respectively). Single bilateral GGOs were only seen among the Group PP. The Chi-square tests showed that the prevalence of diffused GGOs, multiple unilateral GGOs, multiple consolidations, and multiple bilateral consolidations were significantly higher in the Group P (p = 0.001, 0.01, 0.003, and 0.003, respectively). However, GGOs with irregular borders and single consolidations were more significant among the Group PP (p = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively). Of note, reticular distortions and subpleural spares were exclusively detected in the Group PP.@*CONCLUSION@#We concluded that the criteria set by RSNA for the diagnosis of COVID-19 are not appropriate in trauma patients. The clinical signs and symptoms are not always useful either. The presence of multiple unilateral GGOs, diffused GGOs, and multiple bilateral consolidations favor COVID-19 with 88%, 97.62%, and 77.7% diagnostic accuracy.

Modification of the effect of ambient air temperature on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality by air pollution in Ahvaz, Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#This study investigated the modification of temperature effects on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality by air pollutants (particulate matter less than 2.5 and 10 µm in diameter [respectively], ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide). @*METHODS@#Poisson additive models with a penalized distributed lag non-linear model were used to assess the association of air temperature with the daily number of deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Ahvaz, Iran from March 21, 2014 to March 20, 2018, controlling for day of the week, holidays, relative humidity, wind speed, air pollutants, and seasonal and long-term trends. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect modification for sex and age group. To assess the modification of air pollutants on temperature effects, the level of each pollutant was categorized as either greater than the median value or less than/equal to the median value. @*RESULTS@#We found no significant associations between temperature and cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. In the subgroup analyses, however, high temperatures were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality among those 75 years old and older, with the strongest effect observed on day 0 relative to exposure. The results revealed a lack of interactive effects between temperature and air pollutants on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. @*CONCLUSIONS@#A weak but significant association was found between high temperature and cardiovascular mortality, but only in elderly people. Air pollution did not significantly modify the effect of ambient temperature on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality.

Modification of the effect of ambient air temperature on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality by air pollution in Ahvaz, Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#This study investigated the modification of temperature effects on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality by air pollutants (particulate matter less than 2.5 and 10 µm in diameter [respectively], ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide). @*METHODS@#Poisson additive models with a penalized distributed lag non-linear model were used to assess the association of air temperature with the daily number of deaths from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Ahvaz, Iran from March 21, 2014 to March 20, 2018, controlling for day of the week, holidays, relative humidity, wind speed, air pollutants, and seasonal and long-term trends. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect modification for sex and age group. To assess the modification of air pollutants on temperature effects, the level of each pollutant was categorized as either greater than the median value or less than/equal to the median value. @*RESULTS@#We found no significant associations between temperature and cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. In the subgroup analyses, however, high temperatures were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality among those 75 years old and older, with the strongest effect observed on day 0 relative to exposure. The results revealed a lack of interactive effects between temperature and air pollutants on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. @*CONCLUSIONS@#A weak but significant association was found between high temperature and cardiovascular mortality, but only in elderly people. Air pollution did not significantly modify the effect of ambient temperature on cardiovascular and respiratory mortality.

Efficacy of miltefosine compared with glucantime for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 한국역학회지

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is most common form of leishmaniasis and is characterized by ulcerative skin lesions. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that compared the efficacy of miltefosine and glucantime for the treatment of CL. We searched the following databases: Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform search portal of World Health Organization, Sid, Irandoc, Magiran, and clinicaltrials.gov. We used keywords including “miltefosine,” “glucantime,” and “Leishmania.” The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A random-effects model was employed for the analysis. We assessed heterogeneity by the chi-square test and the I² index statistic. When heterogeneity was present, meta-regression analyses were performed. The Egger method was used to assess publication bias; when it was significant, the trim-and-fill method was used to test and adjust for publication bias. A total of 1,570 reports were identified, of which 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, there was no significant difference between the efficacy of miltefosine and glucantime; however, subgroup analysis showed that, regarding parasite species other than Leishmania braziliensis, miltefosine was significantly superior to glucantime (intention to treat; relative risk, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.32). In the meta-regression, only the glucantime injection type was significant at the p=0.1 level. The Egger test found statistically significant publication bias; however, including the 3 missing studies in the trim-and-fill analysis did not change the results. This meta-analysis found that miltefosine seems to be more effective than glucantime, at least in species other than L. braziliensis, for treating CL.

Efficacy of miltefosine compared with glucantime for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 한국역학회지

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is most common form of leishmaniasis and is characterized by ulcerative skin lesions. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that compared the efficacy of miltefosine and glucantime for the treatment of CL. We searched the following databases: Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform search portal of World Health Organization, Sid, Irandoc, Magiran, and clinicaltrials.gov. We used keywords including “miltefosine,”“glucantime,” and “Leishmania.” The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A random-effects model was employed for the analysis. We assessed heterogeneity by the chi-square test and the I² index statistic. When heterogeneity was present, meta-regression analyses were performed. The Egger method was used to assess publication bias; when it was significant, the trim-and-fill method was used to test and adjust for publication bias. A total of 1,570 reports were identified, of which 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, there was no significant difference between the efficacy of miltefosine and glucantime; however, subgroup analysis showed that, regarding parasite species other than Leishmania braziliensis, miltefosine was significantly superior to glucantime (intention to treat; relative risk, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.32). In the meta-regression, only the glucantime injection type was significant at the p=0.1 level. The Egger test found statistically significant publication bias; however, including the 3 missing studies in the trim-and-fill analysis did not change the results. This meta-analysis found that miltefosine seems to be more effective than glucantime, at least in species other than L. braziliensis, for treating CL.

Efficacy of miltefosine compared with glucantime for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 한국역학회지

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is most common form of leishmaniasis and is characterized by ulcerative skin lesions. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials that compared the efficacy of miltefosine and glucantime for the treatment of CL. We searched the following databases: Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform search portal of World Health Organization, Sid, Irandoc, Magiran, and clinicaltrials.gov. We used keywords including “miltefosine,” “glucantime,” and “Leishmania.” The quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A random-effects model was employed for the analysis. We assessed heterogeneity by the chi-square test and the I² index statistic. When heterogeneity was present, meta-regression analyses were performed. The Egger method was used to assess publication bias; when it was significant, the trim-and-fill method was used to test and adjust for publication bias. A total of 1,570 reports were identified, of which 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, there was no significant difference between the efficacy of miltefosine and glucantime; however, subgroup analysis showed that, regarding parasite species other than Leishmania braziliensis, miltefosine was significantly superior to glucantime (intention to treat; relative risk, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.32). In the meta-regression, only the glucantime injection type was significant at the p=0.1 level. The Egger test found statistically significant publication bias; however, including the 3 missing studies in the trim-and-fill analysis did not change the results. This meta-analysis found that miltefosine seems to be more effective than glucantime, at least in species other than L. braziliensis, for treating CL.

PIK3CA mutation analysis in Iranian patients with gastric cancer

Background: Aberrant activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases [PI3K]/AKT/mTOR [mammalian target of rapamycin] pathway is a critical event during gastric cancer progression. Selective function of AKT inhibitor AZD5363 in PI3KCA mutant gastric cancer necessitates the assessment of PI3KCA mutations in these patients

Methods: The study included 100 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgical resection at Imam Reza Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between January 2009 and December 2016. Mutations in codon 1047 of PIK3CA were evaluated by tetra-primer ARMS-PCR and direct sequencing methods

Results: We detected p.H1047R and p.H1047L in eight and three samples, respectively. Also, a significant association was found between PIK3CA mutations and lymphatic invasion. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated no significant differences in overall survival between patients with and without mutations

Conclusion: Our study detected gain-of-function mutations in exon 20 of PI3KCA gene in 11% of gastric cancer patients. Future studies are needed to assess the mutation rate in other regions of this gene to find eligible patients for targeted therapies

Thymoquinone as a natural spermostatic substance in reproductive medicine: an experimental study

Background: Nonoxynol-9 a nonionic surfactant is widely used for its spermicidal effects. Finding new sperm immobilizing agents is necessary because Nonoxynol-9 damages the tissues of female reproductive system

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Thymoquinone [TQ] as a potential spermostatic compound on the motility and viability of human spermatozoa

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the effects of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 microg/ml, 1 and 10 mg/ml of TQ on normozoospermic semen samples were investigated. Sperm motility and viability were compared between untreated and TQ-treated aliquots of each semen sample. To evaluate the effects of TQ on the alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential [MMP], 32 semen samples were examined using 50 microg/ml of TQ. Flow cytometric analysis was performed after staining of spermatozoa with JC-1

Results: Doses above 20 microg/ml of TQ could eventually immobilize all spermatozoa in culture medium. Adding 50 microg/ml of TQ did not significantly diminish the percentage of viable spermatozoa and flow cytometry results revealed that this amount of TQ could decrease sperm MMP

Conclusion: TQ could discontinue the movement of sperm cells in medium without reducing the population of live spermatozoa. It is more likely that TQ exerts its spermostatic action by mitigating the MMP of spermatozoa. Therefore, TQ could be considered as a potential new natural spermostatic chemical

Comparison of pressure vs. volume controlled ventilation on oxygenation parameters of obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Backyround and Objective: There is no special guideline for the best ventilation mode during laparoscopic anesthesia in obese patients and there are too many studies with different controversial points

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of pressure controlled ventilation [PCV] vs. volume controlled ventilation [VCV] on respiratory and oxygenation parameters in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Methods: Seventy patients with 30

Results: Patients in VCV group needed higher tidal volume and respiratory rate to maintain target C02 in 35 and 55 minutes after the study. Plateau pressure and mean airway pressure in two groups didn't have significant difference between two groups but peak airway pressure in 35 and 55 minutes after pneumoperitoneum was significantly higher in VCV group than PCV group. There were no significant differences between two groups regarding P02, PC02 and pH, except 35 and 55 minutes after pneumoperitoneum. In mentioned times, patients in PCV group had significantly higher P02 levels compared to VCV group

Conclusion: Despite some beneficial effects regarding plateau, mean airway pressure and oxygenation parameters with PCV, there was no significant clinical difference between PCV and VCV in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Expression Study and Clinical Correlations of MFC and CCAT2 in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Colon cancer-associated transcript 2 [CCAT2] is a newly recognized IncRNA transcribed from the 8q24 genomic region. It functions as an oncogene in various types of cancers including breast cancer, in which it affects Wnt/p-catenin pathway. Previous studies have shown a putative interaction between this IncRNA and MYC proto-oncogene

Methods: In the current study, we evaluated the expression of CCAT2 in breast cancer tissues with regards to the expression of its target MYC. In addition, we assessed the relationship between CCAT2 and MYC expression levels in tumor tissues and the clinical prognostic characteristics of breast cancer patients

Results: MYC expression levels were significantly up-regulated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues [ANCTs], while such analysis showed no statistically significant difference between these two tissue types in CCAT2 expression. Starkly increased CCAT2 gene expression levels were found in 12/48 [25%] of cancer tissue samples compared with their corresponding ANCTs. Furthermore, significant inverse correlations were found between CCAT2 expression and stage, as well as lymph node involvement. Besides, a significant inverse correlation was found between the relative MYC expression in tumor tissues compared with their corresponding ANCTs and disease stage

Conclusions: These results highlight the significance of MYC and CCAT2 expressions in the early stages of breast cancer development and suggest a potentially significant role for CCAT2 in a subset of breast cancer patients, which could be applied as a potential therapeutic target in these patients

High Flow Nasal Cannula in the Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in One Day-old Neonate.

Background: This study was carried out to compare high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) in respiratory support of one day-old neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods: This was a clinical trial conducted in neonatology wards of two university affiliated hospitals from Sep 2013 to Dec 2014. Inclusion criteria were gestational age of 30 to 35 weeks, appropriate weight for gestational age, clinical signs and symptoms of RDS, and RDS suggestive chest-X ray. All patients with RDS were treated with NIMV for one day. Those requiring NIMV respiratory support more than one day and showed the signs of respiratory distress were randomized into two groups of NIMV and HFNC. Each group consisted of 30 patients. Outcome measures included chronic lung disease, mechanical ventilation, failure to treatment, the time to establish full enteral feeding and the mortality rate. In addition, all complications were recorded. Characteristics of the two groups were compared at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Mean gestational age of patients in NIMV and HFNC groups was 31.81 (1.83) and 31.83 (1.39) weeks, respectively. Distributions of sex, gestational age, height, head circumference, and Apgar scores at the first and fifth minute after the birth were not significantly different between the two groups. Mean (SD) duration of respiratory support after the 1st day was 16.48 (7.80) hours in NIMV group and 18.46 (6.95) in HFNC group (P=0.3). Mean (SD) duration of hospitalization in NICU was 3.24 (0.68) days in NIMV group and 3.2 (0.06) in HFNC group (P=0.8). Mean (SD) age when oral feeding was started, was 23.37 (5.78) hours in NIMV group and 20.13 (5.38) hours in HFNC group (P=0.03). Eleven patients (36.7%) in NIMV group vs. 2 patients in HFNC group required free oxygen therapy (P=0.005). No treatment failure, chronic lung disease, mechanical ventilation or endotracheal intubation was observed in any group. 100% vs. 10% in NIMV and HFNC groups, respectively, experienced grade 3 and 4 nasal mucosal damage (P<0.01). Conclusion: HFNC was more tolerable than NIMV in the treatment of RDS in premature neonates' ≥30 week-old when applied after the first day of life.

Altered Doppler flow patterns in cirrhosis patients: an overview

Doppler ultrasonography of the hepatic vasculature is an integral part of evaluating precirrhotic and cirrhotic patients. While the reversal of the portal venous flow is a well-recognized phenomenon, other flow patterns, although not as easily understood, may play an important role in assessing the disease status. This article discusses the different characteristic flow patterns observed from the portal vein, hepatic artery, and hepatic vein in patients with liver cirrhosis or related complications and procedures. Knowledge of these different flow patterns provides additional information that may reinforce the diagnosis of cirrhosis, help in staging, and offer prognostic information for determining the direction of therapy. Doppler ultrasonography is invaluable when liver transplantation is being considered and aids in the diagnosis of cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Coadministration of calcium chloride with lead acetate can improve motility of cauda epididymal spermatozoa in Swiss white mice

Background: Lead is an industrial heavy metal that can decrease sperm motility

Objective:The aim was to investigate the protective effects of calcium against lead on motility of spermatozoa

Materials and Methods:In total 40 adult male Swiss white mice were randomly divided into 5 groups [control, lead of 1[st] wk, lead of 2[nd] wk, lead/calcium of 1Pst Pwk and lead/calcium of 2[nd] wk]. The lead groups of mice were injected by a single dose of lead acetate [200 mg/kg] intraperitoneally. Lead/calcium groups of mice were injected by a single same dose of lead acetate along with three doses of 80 mg/kg calcium chloride. The control group of mice was injected only with same volume of distilled water through the same route. Mice of 1[st] and 2[nd] wk groups were sacrificed through cervical dislocation one and two weeks after injections respectively

Results: Mean of the progressive motile spermatozoa of cauda epididymis in lead/calcium group of the first week was higher than the lead group of the first week and this difference was significant. There was not any significant difference among weight of testes and epididymides of all groups

Conclusion:It can be concluded that calcium can decrease the effects of lead on sperm motility

[Educational needs of couples attending in pre-marriage counseling classes in health center of Kerman]

Introduction: The first step in any educational programs is determining the educational needs of the target group. Providing adequate information to couples helps them to start their marital life based on a correct basis. The aim of this study was to determine the pre-marriage educational needs of couples who are about to get marry

Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 250 couples attending in Pre-marriage counseling classes. Available sampling was used in this study. Data were collected by a questionnaire including demographic variables and 47 questions in 7 areas including family planning, congenital diseases, common cancers in men and women, sexual relationships, relationship with spouse and family, and Islamic and legal issues. Data were analyzed using analytical statistics Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and correlation coefficient through SPSS 21

Results: The results show a significant relationship between the need for training and education in women and men [P<0.0001]. There was a significant relationship between age and educational need in the field of congenital diseases, in females [P=0.002] and males [P=0.01]. The most important educational needs were sexual relationship and relationship with spouse and family

Conclusion: It seems that comprehensive information on sexual issues and relationship with spouse and family should be also added to educational content in order to help young couples to have healthier marital life

[Cardiovascular diseases risk factors and the relationship between knowledge level and preventive behaviors for cardiovascular diseases among women in Kerman]

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of mortality and disability in the world. Many risk factors are involved in cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, high cholesterol, overweight and obesity, smoking, diabetes, inadequate physical activity, unhealthy diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular diseases risk factors and the relationship between knowledge level and preventive behaviors for cardiovascular diseases among women in Kerman

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 400 women in Kerman. Participants were selected using multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire and a questionnaire about cardiovascular disease risk factors, knowledge, nutritional behavior, and physical activity. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, Spearman, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test by SPSS 21

Results: The average age of women was 42.11+/-1.40 years. Daily stress [71.75%] and inadequate physical activity [62.75%] were the most common risk factors among the participants. There was a significant positive relationship between knowledge and nutritional behavior [P<0.0001] and physical activity [P=0.001]. The mean score of knowledge in women who had tested their blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and blood pressure over the past six months was significantly high

Conclusion: The results showed that there is a relationship between knowledge level and preventive behaviors for cardiovascular diseases; therefore, increasing knowledge level through appropriate interventions may effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases

Critical Care Nurses’ Attitudes about Influences of Technology on Nursing Care.

Aims: This paper begins with developing a quantitative instrument to examine the opinions of critical care nurses’ regarding the influences of technology on nursing practice. Study Design and Methodology: After reviewing related literature, the draft of a 29-items questionnaire was developed. Based on the review of a panel of 3 experts, it was reduced to 23 items because 6 items measured similar criteria. Content validity index (CVI) of this instrument, based on the opinions of another panel of ten experts reached 0.92. Face validity was established via two focused groups of critical care nurses. All of the items were clear, relevant, and simple for these two groups. Principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation resulted two factors which altogether accounted for 52.5% of the total variance. These factors revealed negative and positive aspects of influence of technology on nursing practices. Coronbach’s a coefficient (a= 0.824) Showed acceptable internal consistency for the entire questionnaire and it’s the negative and positive aspects (0.896 and 0.925, respectively). In the next phase of the study, a convenience sample of 200 critical care nurses, in a cross-sectional study, filled the questionnaire. Results: The mean score for this sample was calculated as 82.21±9.88, indicating this sample of nurses held positive opinions regarding influences of technology on their practice. Younger nurses and those working in intensive care units had significantly higher mean scores in negative subscale compared to others. Conclusion: Considering the important role of technology in diagnosis, treatment and caring of various health conditions, adequate training of nurses for managing different technological tools and understanding the culture and values of technological care, can help them balance technological and humanized aspects of care, make technological caring more efficient and improve the quality of nursing care.

[Changes in agronomical and phytochemical yield of purple coneflower [Echinaceae purpurea [L.] Moench] under urea and three biofertilizers application]

Nutrition is an important factor in plant growth and phytochemical compound. Application of natural fertilizers in medicinal plants production can improve their yield and medicinal indices. This study investigated the possibility of substituting chemical fertalizers by biofertilizer [Nitroxin, biophosphorus and biosulfur] in purple coneflower production. We compared vegetative yield and total phenolic compounds of purple coneflower in response to biofertalizers and chemical nitrogen. Experiment was conducted at field of Tarbiat Modares University on 2009-2010 growing seasons using a RCBD with three replications. Twelve experimental treatments included: chemical nitrogen as urea [C], biosulfur [S], biophosphorus [P] nitroxin[N], urea+biosulfur[CS], urea+biophosphorus[CP], urea+nitroxin[CN], biophosphorus+biosulfur[PS], Nitroxin+biosulfur[NS], nitroxin + biophosphorus[NP], integration of three biofertilizers [NPS] and the control [without fertilizers]. Treatments had significant effect [p

epididymal sperm viability, motility and DNA integrity in dead mice maintained at 4-6[degree sign]C

When male animals die, spermatozoa within the body of animal will be degenerated. Because of unique chromatin structure of sperm, maybe this degeneration is different from other cells. However there is not any research which considered directly the integrity of sperm DNA by keeping the cadaver in refrigerator. The aim of this study was to assess viability, total motility and DNA integrity of sperm cells after death. In this experimental study, 24 male Swiss white mice were killed by cervical dislocation and then kept in refrigerator [4-6[degree sign] C] for up to 12 days. On the 0 [immediately after death as control group], 1[st], 2[nd], 3[rd], 5[th], 7[th], 10[th] and the 12[th] days after death cauda epididymides were removed and squeezed in Ham's F10 medium. The proportion of viable, motile and double stranded DNA spermatozoa was examined. Viability and DNA integrity of sperm cells were examined consecutively by eosin nigrosin and acridine orange stainings. The data obtained from this study showed that viability and total motility of sperm cells were significantly decreased during 12 days after death [p<0.001]. In contrast with viability and motility, DNA integrity was without significant changes [even 12 days after death]. This study suggests that integrity of sperm DNA would not change even after 12 days after death if the cadaver kept in refrigerator

Propofol for laryngeal mask airway insertion in children: effect of two different doses

To compare two different doses of propofol for laryngeal mask airway [LMA] insertion in children undergoing out-patient surgeries. Insertion of LMA just after anesthesia induction is facilitated using propofol. However, the optimal dose of this drug not determined yet as heavy doses may lead to severe complications, whereas lower doses may not be quite as effective. In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 120 children undergoing out-patient surgeries were recruited to receive intravenous propofol at a dose of either 2.5 mg/kg [group 1] or 3.5 mg/kg [group 2] for induction. Intravenous midazolam [0.03 mg/kg] and fentanyl [1 microg/kg] were used as pre-medication in all patients and anesthesia induction was initiated using lidocaine [1 mg/kg] prior to propofol administration. Hemodynamic changes, probable complications, quality of the established airway and number of attempts for LMA insertion were compared between two groups. There were no differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation and intraoperative complications between the groups [P>0.05]. LMA insertion was successful at the first attempt in 55 [93.2%] and 54 [91.5%] cases in group 1 and group 2, respectively [P>0.05]. The efficiency of the established airways was adequate in all the patients of both groups. It seems that propofol doses of 2.5 and 3.5 mg/kg are equally effective for LMA insertion following intravenous midazolam, fentanyl, and lidocaine

[Teratogenic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on the skeletal system and fetal growth in Balb/c mice]

Several studies have shown that many pregnant women use medicinal plants during pregnancy without knowing some of those teratogenic effects. One of these plants is Stachys lavandulifolia that is used for many health treatments. The teratogenic effect of this plant has not been established yet. Therefore in this study the teratogenic effect of Stachys lavandulifolia was investigated in Balb/c mice. In this experimental study, 60 female Wistar rats [30-40 gr, 8-12 weeks old] were randomlydesignated into 6 groups. [2 control and 4 case groups]. Pregnancy was confirmed with vaginal plaque. The doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of the extracts of Stachys lavandulifolia vahl were injected intra peritoneal [i.p.] to pregnant mice from the 7th to 12th days of pregnancy. The fifth group received saline and theSixth group [control group] received nothing. In the 18th day of the pregnancy the fetuses were removed from the uterine tubes and their weight and height were measured by digital scale and Kullis, then they were painted by red alizarin and their skeletal disorders were checked. Data were analyzed with Chi square and Kruskal Wallis and Dunn post hoc tests. Using different doses of hydro alcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia the fetal growth was impaired and this impairment increasesd with increased doses of the extract [P<0.01]. In the dose of 200 mg/kg inter parietal bone was not observed in 40% of embryos [P<0.01], regarding the extra rib there was no significant difference between groups. In the case of having additional rib, no significant difference was found between the groups. Stachysl lavandulifolia extract has teratogenic effect and using it causes growth retardation and stopping the inter parietal bone formation. Therefore it should be considered as contraindication or use with caution, in pregnancy