[Effect of relaxation and attachment behaviors training on anxiety in first-time mothers in Shiraz city, 2010: a randomized clinical trial]

Anxiety of mother, as the first personality influencing child's mental health, is of great importance. Use of anxiety-reducing techniques for pregnant mothers plays an important role in decreasing maternal and child psychological problems. This study aimed to determine the effect of relaxation and attachment behaviors training on anxiety in first-time mothers. The present study was done as a clinical trial on 126 primigravida women [42 subjects as relaxation group, 42 subjects as attachment group and 42 subjects as control group] referred to Hafiz and Shushtari hospitals in Shiraz [2010]. Data were collected using personal data form and Spielberger Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. In addition to routine pregnancy care, four 90 minute sessions of attachment behaviors and relaxation training courses were held during 4 weeks [once a week]. The control group only received routine pregnancy care. Anxiety score before the intervention and at the end of the intervention were analyzed in all three groups. Data analysis was done using chi-square, Anova and paired t-test analysis, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. In this study, the mean anxiety scores were not significantly different in the three groups before the intervention, but there were significant differences among three groups after the intervention [p<0.004]. There was a decrease in the mean anxiety score in the two experimental groups after the intervention, whereas there was an increase in the control group. The results of this study indicated that relaxation and attachment behaviors training could reduce anxiety in pregnant mothers

relationship between peak expiratory flow rate before bronchoscopy and arterial oxygen desaturation during bronchoscopy

A significant reduction in arterial blood oxygen saturation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy has been proved but it is not yet known whether all patients need supplemental oxygen during this procedure. The aim of study is to examine the relationship between peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] before bronchoscopy and oxygen desaturation during bronchoscopy. Measurement of PEFR [% predicted] performed before bronchoscopy and arterial O2 desaturation was assessed with a pulse oximeter during bronchoscopy. Study performed in 66 patients with a median age 53 years, who had been referred to our bronchoscopy unit. None of the patients received supplemental oxygen before the procedure. Thirty nine cases [59%] had an episode of O2 desaturation during bronchoscopy. Of them 25 cases [38%] had sustained O2 desaturation, requiring oxygen therapy while 14 cases [21%] had momentary desaturation [< 20s] not requiring O2 therapy. Oxygen therapy was administered in 58% of cases with PEFR% < 60 and in 83% of cases with PEFR% less than 45 [P, 0.008 and 0.001, respectively]. We also observed a significant fall in mean O2 saturation during bronchoscopy [88 +/- 4%] compared to prebronchoscopy levels [95 +/- 2%] [P < 0.0001]. It is concluded that PEFR < 60% and especially < 45% is a reliable predictor of hypoxemia and the need to O2 therapy during bronchoscopy

[Survey the laparoscopic, biochemical and clinical findings in patients with exudative ascites of unknown origin]

Introduction: The etiology of exudative ascites cannot always be diagnosed accurately. Laparoscopy could be used as an appropriate diagnostic modality in these cases

Objective: Evaluate the laparoscopic, biochemical and clinical findings in patients with exudative ascites of unknown etiology

Materials and Methods: In a case-series study, we studied the data of 67 patients with exudative ascites of unknown etiology who under went diagnostic laparoscopy in endoscopy ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital from 2002 to 2005. Demographic data; complaints; clinical, laboratory and laparoscopic findings were evaluated and the accurate etiology of exudative ascites was determined. Man Whitney and Fischer's exact test were used for statistical analysis. P values less than 0.05 was considered significant

Results: The most common cause of exudative ascites was carcinomatous peritonitis then tuberculosis and lymphoma. Tuberculosis peritonitis was the most common etiology of exudative ascites in afghan immigrants. Abdominal masses were only palpated in cases of malignancy. Uniform micronodules and fibrous bands were observed in tuberculous peritonitis. Icter was observed in half of the patients with Budd-chiari Syndrome and lymphoma. Hepatomegaly was mostly seen in Budd-chiari Syndrome and neoplasms

Conclusion: Carcinomatous peritonitis, tuberculosis and lymphoma were the most common causes of exudative ascites of unknown etiology

[Establishment and behavioral study of a tumor model in Balb/c mice for experimental cancer studies]

The establishment of a standard and well-studied animal tumor model in order to evaluate the effects of new anti-cancer therapeutics and the study of tumor biology is crucial to cancer research institutes in Iran. In this study, we established a standard tumor model in Balb/c mice. After the evaluation of the available cell lines, WEHI-164 cells were used for tumor induction in male and female four-week inbred Balb/c mice. On the day 0, mice were inoculated with 7 x l0-6 WEHI-164 cells subcutaneously and tumor dimensions were measured daily. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that there is no significant difference between male and female groups and the yield of 82% about tumor induction was determined. From the day 8, tumor regression was observed