Protective effects of matricaria chamomilla extract on torsion/ detorsion-induced tissue damage and oxidative stress in adult rat testis

Background: There is some evidence indicating that Matricaria chamomile [MC] had protective effects on ischemia- reperfusion. In the present study, a rat model was used to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of MC on torsion/detorsion-induced testis tissue damage

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 28 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: G1, Sham operated; G2, testicular torsion/detorsion [T/D]; G3, rats with testicular torsion/detorsion that received 300 mg/kg of MC extracts 30 minutes before detorsion [T/DMC]; and G4, healthy rats that received 300 mg/kg of MC extracts [MC]. Also, the reperfusion period was 24 hours. After blood sampling, the oxidative stress marker [e.g. superoxide dismutase [SOD] levels], blood levels of testosterone, and anti-oxidant enzyme levels [e.g. glutathione peroxidase [GPx]] were assessed by ELISA methods. Serum activity of malondialdehyde [MDA] was evaluated by spectrophotometry. Another assessment was carried out by histomorphometry, 24-hour post-procedure. The histological parameters investigated by Johnson's scores [JS], also the seminiferous tubule diameter [STD] and the height of the germinal epithelium [HE] measured using the linear eyepiece grids using light microscopy

Results: Histological features significantly differed between sham and the other groups. The levels of SOD, GPx, and testosterone hormone were significantly decreased in T/D group as compared to sham group, while these parameters increased in T/DMC group as compared to T/D group. During ischemia, the MDA levels increased; however, treatment with MC extract decreased the MDA levels in G3 and G4 groups

Conclusion: Results of the present study demonstrated that MC can protect the testis tissue against torsion/detorsion- induced damages by suppressing superoxide production

Reducing creatine kinase-MB levels following oxytocin administration during ischemia-reperfusion periods in isolated rat heart

Creatine kinase is a cardiac biomarker that is used for the assessment of ischemic injuries and myocardial infarction. The present study was designed to evaluate effects of oxytocin administration during ischemia and reperfusion periods on CK-MB levels in the coronary effluent of isolated rat heart and the possible role of oxytocin receptor, nitric oxide [NO], prostacyclin and mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channels in this regard. Male wistar rats [n=8] were anesthetized with sodium thiopental and their hearts were transferred to a Langendorff perfusion apparatus. All animals were randomly divided into nine groups as follow; in the ischemia-reperfusion group, hearts underwent 30 min of regional ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. In oxytocin group, hearts were perfused with oxytocin 5 min after ischemia induction for 25 min. In other groups, 35 min prior to oxytocin perfusion, atosiban [a non-specific oxytocin receptor blocker], L-NAME [an NO synthase inhibitor], indomethacin [a non-specific cyclooxygenase blocker] and 5-HD [a specific mKATP channel blocker] were perfused for 10 min. In all groups, we measured CK-MB levels in the coronary effluent at the end of reperfusion. Moreover, coronary flow [mL/min] was measured at baseline, during ischemia period and 60 and 120 min after reperfusion. Oxytocin administration significantly reduced CK-MB level in oxytocin group as compared to ischemia-reperfusion group. Administration of atosiban, L-NAME, indomethacin and 5-HD prior to oxytocin perfusion abolished the effects of oxytocin on CK-MB levels. Administration of oxytocin during ischemia and reperfusion periods deceased CK-MB levels but infusion of atosiban, L-NAME, 5-HD and indomethacin inhibited oxytocin from exerting its effects

[ effect of lecture in comparison with lecture and problem based learning on nursing students self-efficacy in Najafabad Islamic Azad university]

Introduction: Self-efficacy has an important role in applying scientific and professional knowledge and skills. Teaching methods can develop different skills such as decision making capability. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of teaching method of lecture in comparison with lecture and problem based learning on nursing students' self-efficacy in Najafabad Islamic Azad University during 2008-2009

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 44 nursing students who had been admitted to the university in 2006, were selected through random sampling method. Then, they were assigned in to two experiment and control groups, randomly. The data gathering tool was the Iranian edition of Generalized Self Efficacy questionnaire [GSE10]. The data were analyzed by version 15 of SPSS software using mean, standard deviation and independent t-test and paired t-test

Results: The self-efficacy score increased significantly in both lecture [p<.004] and PBL [P<.001] groups. Although the mean score of post-test was higher in PBL group compared to the lecture group, no significant difference was observed comparing the mean of the difference between pre and post-tests in the two groups

Conclusion: According to this study, effective education can promote student's self-efficacy in order to carry out the related performance. Considering the higher mean score of the PBL group, it is recommended to pay more attention to this educational method in higher education curriculum