[Effect of hydro alcoholic extract of nutmeg on Immune response of rat]

Background: Myristica fragrans is an evergreen aromatic tree cultivated in many tropical countries. Nutmeg, the dried ripe seed of M. fragrans, is a popular spice used in sweet and savory cooking, and a variety of drinks

Objective: Nutmeg has a variety of pharmaceutical effects and in this study its effects on immune responses were evaluated

Methods: Six groups [each group 8] of Wistar rats were treated as follows: Even groups received Nutmeg extract at dose 300 mg per kg of body weight intraperitoneally [IP], daily up to 12 days. Odd groups received PBS instead of nutmeg extract. The rats of groups 1 and 2 were immunized IP with 1.35×109 Sheep RBC [SRBC] in days 1 and 6. The rats of groups 3 and 4, were immunized IP with 1.35×109 SRBC in days 1 and subcutaneously in right foot pad with 2.7×107 SRBC in a volume of 0.1 ml on the day 9. Titer of anti-SRBC antibody in the groups 1 and 2 and lysozyme and alternative complement pathway activity of groups 5 and 6 were evaluated on day 13. The swelling of footpads in groups 3 and 4 were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours after challenge with SRBC and these rats euthanized on day 13 and theirs foot were examined histopathologically for infiltration of inflammatory cells

Results: The result showed that nutmeg extract significantly increase anti SRBC titer [P=0.005], inhibit inflammatory cells infiltration [P< 0.001] but has not any effect on serum lysozyme or complement activity [P=0.4]

Conclusion: In conclusion nutmeg extract shows a significant suppression on cell mediated immunity and stimulatory effect on humeral immune response to SRBC in Wistar rats

Association of dental practice as a risk factor in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome

Statement of Problem: Carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS] is an important cause of work disability. There is controversy over the relation between carpal tunnel syndrome and occupation. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the time-span of practicing dentistry and the role of dominant hands in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome

Materials and Method: In this descriptive cross sectional study, 40 dentists and dental students [15 women and 25 men] undertook the electroneuro-diagnostic test in both hands by an electromyogram [EMG] and they were also evaluated in terms of self- reported clinical symptoms

Results: 17.5% of participants were diagnosed to have decreased nerve conduction velocity while10% had reported clinical symptoms of CTS. Both dominant and nondominant hands were involved. Within cases who were diagnosed as having median nerve neuropathy, 87.5% worked more than 20 hours per week. 57% had 17-23 years of dental practice experience and 14.2% of cases had10-16 years of practice in dentistry

Conclusion: The high rate of CTS symptoms, in both dominant and non-dominant hand among dental practitioners with more years of dental practice, indicates a prequisite for particular attention, then sufficient education on the major risk factors causing this problem. Early diagnosis of these symptoms may improve the future management of the disease

predictors of clinical fertilization in IVF cycles

We examined the demographic characteristics of couples, ovarian response and sperm quality to determine the predictors of clinical fertilization in IVF cycles. A descriptive and analytic study was conducted using data and biologic specimens obtained Fatemeh-Alzahra of Babol infertility center from 2004 to 2005. Only data from 315 women who had medical indication for conventional IVF treatment were included in the analysis. Treatment using ICSI was excluded. In the univariate analysis, the following variables affected on fertilization rate: the length of infertility, the number of IVF cycle, basal LH serum on 2 days, the number of administration of hMG, the duration of ovarian stimulation, the number of follicles, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of oocytes stage II and III, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm grading III and IV. In the multivariate analysis, the strongest predictor of positive fertilization was the mean number of oocytes retrieved. Also, the mean number of oocytes stage II and stage III were positive predictors of fertilization. The mean of basal LH serum on day 2 and the mean duration of ovarian stimulation were negative predictors of fertilization. Ovarian response to gonadotropins and the quality of oocytes were main predictors of fertilization. Although some parameters of sperm quality were significant variables of fertilization rate in univariate analysis, in multivariate analysis one's effects were negligible. This information should be used when selecting couples for IVF cycles or oocytes for fertilization to raise the rate of clinical fertilization

Effect of laparoscopic electrocautery of ovaries on ovarian response and fertility in poor response PCOS patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders which can cause oligoovulation and anovulation in infertile women. Treatment of PCOS at first step is medical and in resistant cases surgery by laparoscope and electro-cauterization of the ovaries will be considered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic cauterization of ovaries on ovulation, pregnancy, ovarian response to induction of ovulation and menstrual regulation. In a semi-experimental- [before and after study], cauterization of the ovaries by laparoscope was done in 44 PCOS patients who were resistant to medical treatment. Ovulation, pregnancy and menstrual regulation were evaluated in these patients in a period of 3 months. Then pregnancy rate, ovulation and regularity of menses were evaluated before and after cauterization. Sampling method was census and data were analyzed by paired T-test, Wilcoxon, and Fischer's exact test using SPSS soft ware. 44 patients aged from 18 to 36 with unsuccessful medical induction of ovulation and irregular menses were selected for the study. After cauterization of the ovaries, ovulation was evident in 32 [%72] and 15 [%34.09] of them became pregnant, with twin pregnancy in 3 cases. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was not occurred in the patients. In spite of different results of different studies, our study revealed that the response of ovaries to medical treatment and also pregnancy outcome would be better after laparoscopic cauterization of the ovaries and this effect is better when combination of HMG and clomiphen citrate is used. Pregnancy and regulation of menses after cauterization had no relation to age and cause of infertility

[Histopathological changes of urinary bladder after colocystoplasty in dogs]

To evaluate necropsy and histopathological changes in urinary bladder after colocystoplasty. Experimental study. Five healthy mixed breed dogs, weighing between 10 - 20 kg. Partial cystectomy [almost 50 percent] with immediate augmentation colocystoplasty was performed. The augmented bladders after utanasia were studied on the basis of necropsy and histopathological findings on day 45 after operation. Adhesion between graft site and adjacent viscera was the most important finding after necropsy. Histopathological findings were different types of inflammations [hemorrhagic 40%, purulent 40% and fibrinous 20%] and extension of urothelium on mucosal layer of the colon in graft site [60%]. Reparative responses in serosal layer like chronic inflammation, granular and dense fibrotic tissue formation were seen in 60%, too. On the basis of this study, in spite of adhesion and bladder inflammation, colon is a suitable part for increasing bladder capacity in dogs because of good accessibility and lack of undue tension

Prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence in Babol city, Islamic Republic of Iran

To determine the prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence, 2400 married women attending public clinics in Babol, Islamic Republic of Iran, were screened for domestic violence. Overall, 15.0% of women had suffered physical abuse from their husbands in the previous year, 42.4% sexual abuse and 81.5% various degrees of psychological abuse. A significant association with intimate partner violence was found for women with low income, age