Association of C/T polymorphism in 3'UTR of E-cadherin gene with ovarian cancer risk

Background and Objective: Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy. One of the most important genes in Wnt signaling pathway is E-cadherin [CDH1], which is involved in epithelial cell-cell interaction and plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of intercellular adhesion, cell polarity and tissue architecture. E-cadherin codes a group of connector proteins which caused to intercellular adhesion. It has an important role in adhesion of blastomere and ability to bind fetal tissues. Nucleotide change in the coding region of this gene may lead to develop ovarian cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the association of +54C/T [Rs 1801026] 3 UTR of E-cadherin gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer risk

Methods: This case-control study was done on 100 tissue samples of patients with ovarian cancer as cases and 100 age-matched healthy women as control in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The E-cadherin gene polymorphism was determined by using the PCR-RFLP method

Results: There was no association between CT [95% CI: 0.81-4.31; OR=1.87; P<0.14] and TT [95% CI: 0.73-2.38; OR=1.44; P<0.29] genotypes and ovarian cancer. No association was found between genotypes with grade and stage of cancer

Conclusion: There is no correlation between +54C/T [Rsl801026] 3 UTR of E-cadherin gene polymorphism with ovarian cancer

[ effect of hydroalcoholic castor bean extract on spermatogenesis in mice]

Castor is a plant with various advantages that, it's anti-fertility effects are seen in some studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of castor bean extract on spermatogenesis and sperm damage. 35 male mice were divided into four experimental groups and one control group. Control group received normal saline and experimental groups, received 25, 30, 35 and 45mg/kg body weight Castor bean extract for 30 days respectively. Ten days after the last injection mice were anesthetized and the epididymis and testis were removed. Heart blood samples were collected from mice to measure hormones. After preparing cross-sections of testis, samples were stained and line of cells were counted. The data were analyzed by One - Way ANOVA and Tukey test. Right testicular and epididymal weight and number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, Leydig and Spermatozoa in all experimental groups as well as the diameter in the three groups of 2, 3 and 4 groups were significantly smaller than control group [p<0.05]. In experimental group 4, the rate of denaturation of DNA was significantly higher than control group. The Serum sex hormones and percentage of live sperm in the experimental groups 3 and 4, compared to the control group was decreased. Castor bean extract significantly decreases the number of sperm cell lines and sex hormone levels. Furthermore, in higher doses of extract, the sperm DNA denaturation increases. Thus, Castor bean extract may effect on fertility by reducing it

[Self esteem and its associated factors in patients with multiple sclerosis]

Multiple sclerosis [MS] as a progressive disorder can deteriorate body image and the feeling of attractiveness and influence patients' self-esteem through changing their cognitive experiences and attitude towards their body. Accordingly this study was conducted with aim of assessing self esteem and its related factors in patients with MS. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The subjects [n=395] were recruited by convenience sampling from Multiple Sclerosis Society in Tehran. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory was used as data collection tool. Data was analyzed by independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, spearman correlation coefficient, chi-square test and post hoc Scheffe test using SPSS-PC [version 16]. The mean score of self-esteem was 17/5 +/- 53/20. Most patients had moderate self-esteem, and only a small percentage of them [16.2%] had high self esteem. There were significant relationship between the patients' self-esteem and their age, educational level, marital status, employment status and the duration of disease [P<0.05]. Nurses are able to consider the patients' esteem needs by recognition of high risk groups and provide appropriate interventions to improve the quality of life of these patients and their families

[ effect of problem solving course on student's stress intolerance]

Background and aim: Nurses should have enough skills to solve patient's problems in complex clinical situations. In addition, they should acquire stress intolerance skills to enable them to deal with problems in hard situations. This study was performed to assess the effect of problem solving course on Shiraz student's stress intolerance

Methods: This quasi-experimental study [with pre-test and post-test design] was performed on 43 graduate nursing students in Shiraz city. Students were asked to fill "demographic questionnaire" and "Bar On emotional quotient inventory" [to determine stress intolerance level and then the participants were randomly divided into two groups of experimental [with 20 students] and control group [with 23 students]. Then, based on D'zurilla and Goldfride social problem solving method, a short problem solving course was performed for the experimental group. Finally, stress intolerance levels were measured at 3 different stages of assessment [pre, immediately and 2 month after the performance of interventional program], in the two groups

Results: Problem solving course positively affected the students' stress intolerance level immediately after the program [P<0.01]. The same results were observed 2 months after the intervention [P<0.01]

Conclusion: In general, problem solving course has positive effect on improvement of stress intolerance levels in nursing students. Therefore, it is recommended that same courses be added to the educational program of nursing students

[Comparison of mobilizing and immobilizing splints on hand motor function in stroke patients: a randomize clinical trial]

Among several methods for the treatment of wrist-fingers motor function impairment after stroke, splinting is a method commonly used as complementary option. But there are so many controversies surrounding its efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of mobilizing and immobilizing splints on wrist-fingers motor function after stroke.In this experimental study, 31 stroke patients were selected and divided randomly into three groups including: mobilizing splint, immobilizing splint and control group. Participants in intervention groups wore their own splints for eight weeks, five days per week and on average six hours per day. Motor function was measured at baseline and the eighth week by fugl-meyer [FM] scale. The one-way ANOVA was used to compare scores of FM scale between three groups. Data analysis showed significant increase in motor function only in mobilizing splint group [p=0/001] and this increase was significant compared with other groups [p=0/001]. Based on these findings, using a mobilizing splint compared with immobilizing splint could have better functional results for treating wrist and finger motor impairment in post-stroke patients

[Comparison of intra-abdominal pressure measurement and physical exam for diagnosis of surgery indication in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome due to blunt trauma]

Increase in abdominal pressure can lead to the so-called intra-abdominal compartment syndrome [ACS] that is often observed during the first 24 hours after sever abdominal trauma and surgery. Measurement of the intra abdominal pressure through the bladder as a non-invasive measurement can provide a quick and accurate assessment of abdominal pressure changes. This study was performed to compare the diagnostic value of intra-abdominal pressure measurement through the bladder with that of physical exam in the diagnosis of surgery indication. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on patients with intra-abdominal compartment syndrome due to blunt abdominal trauma referred to Nemazee hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Tools for data collection included a check list consisting demographic information, and intra-abdominal pressure measurement instruments. Data analysis was done through SPSS software. Of 100 patients with abdominal trauma whose abdominal pressures were measured, 28 ones had abdominal compartment syndrome of whom, 21 ones [75 percent] were referred to the operation room by physician. Among all patients who were sent to the surgery room, 5 patients [23.80%] were survived and all those who were not sent to the surgery room died. Mean diagnosis time of measuring abdominal pressure for detection of operation indication was significantly lower than that of physical exam [P<0.01]. Age, sex, type of trauma and type of injury to internal organ had no significant relationship with the rate of abdominal compartment syndrome. Also, there was no significant difference between the two methods in finding surgery indication. Implementing education on methods of early diagnosis of intra-abdominal pressure increase for medical team especially nurses is one of the treatment priorities

[ effect of increasing blood flow rate on complications and dialysis adequacy in hemodialysis patients with low KT/V]

Insufficient dialysis, increasing complication, duration of hospitalized and expenditures in end stage renal disease patients. Several factors, including increased blood flow rate in the absence of complications can improve dialysis adequacy. So the aim of this study is to investigate the Effected of increasing blood flow rate on complications and dialysis adequacy in hemodialysis patients with Low KT/V. In this quasi-experimental study ,one group [pre-post test], all 45 hemodialysis patients, at 6 month bygone had 3 times in week, each time 3 to 4 hours of hemodialysis and KT/V was less than 1.2, in two sessions, that in first session adjustment blood flow rate on 230 ml/min and other increased 15% of blood flow rate in patients<65 Kg of body weight and 20% in patients>65 Kg in 2009 By the questionnaire and Check list were studied, and than we control KT/V and complications and finally by the statistical tests such Paird-Samples /-test and McNamara were compared. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, incidence of hypotension, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramp did not have a significant difference within the tow status and the mean KT/V with the before and after increased blood flow rate ,was respectively 0.99 +/- 0.09 and 1.3 +/- 0.12 and results showed significant difference [P=0.001] comments from dialysis adequacy. Although the Complications during hemodialysis, while the two study conditions did not have a significant difference and also increase blood flow rate caused increase dialysis adequacy can be concluded that increased blood flow rate is effective on dialysis adequacy

[ female sexual function index [FSFI]: validation of the Iranian version]

To validate Persian version of the FSFI and to determine its diagnostic cut off score. This was a descriptive analytic study. To fill in the Persian version of the FSFI. In addition clinical interviews were carried out by a psychiatrist on DSM-4 criteria. Women divided in two age and educational matched groups: the control group [n=28] who have not sexual dysfunction and the case group [n=53] who have sexual dysfunction. Data were analyzed by Cronbach's alpha and validity was assessed by comparing mean scores of two groups. Optimal cut off score determined by Receiver Operating Characteristic [ROC] curve. The findings showed satisfactory results for full scale and each subscale with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.66 or above for sexually dysfunctional sample and 0.70 or above for sexually active sample. Discriminant validity confirmed the ability of both total and domain scores to differentiate between active and inactive women. On the basis of sensitivity and specificity analyses we found that the optimal cut off score was found to be 28 for differentiating women with and without sexual dysfunction. The findings showed that the Iranian version of Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring sexual function in women

[ comparison study of contralateral transient evoked otoacoustic emission [TEOAE] suppression in normal hearing subjects and multiple sclerosis patients]

A common auditory complaint of multiple sclerosis patients, is misunderstanding speech in the presence of background noise. Evidence from animal and human studies has suggested that the medial olivocochlear bundle may play an important role in hearing noise. The medial olivocochlear bundle function can be evaluated by the suppression effect of transient otoacoustic emission in response to contralateral acoustic stimulation. The present study was conducted to investigate the suppression effect of transient otoacoustic emission in multiple sclerosis patients. This analytical case-control study was conducted on 34 multiple sclerosis patients [24 female, 10 male], aged 20-50 years and 34 controls matched for age and gender in Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2006. All cases were selected in simple random manner. The suppression effect of transient otoacoustic emission was evaluated by comparing the transient otoacoustic emission levels with and without contralateral acoustic stimulation. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and independent T- test. There was no significant difference in transient otoacoustic emission levels of two groups, but a significantly reduced suppression effect of transient otoacoustic emission was found in multiple sclerosis patients, in compare with the controls. Outer hair cells activity in multiple sclerosis patients was normal but these patients presented low activity of the medial olivocochlear bundle system which could affect their ability to hear in the presence of background noise

Analgesic effects of intra-articular fentanyl, pethidine and dexamethasone after knee arthroscopic surgery

Many different methods have been used in an effort to provide adequate analgesia after knee arthroscopic surgery. In this study analgesic effect of intra-articular fentanyl, pethidine and dexamethasone was compared. In a double blind randomized study 48 male patients undergoing knee arthroscopic meniscectomy were allocated to groups receiving intra-articular fentanyl 50 ig or pethidine 20 mg or dexamethasone 8 mg at the end of arthroscopy during general aesthesia. Postoperative pain scores using visual analogue scale were measured and also analgesic requirements and the time of ability to walk were recorded. Pain scores at one, two, six and 24 h after intra-articular injection were not significantly different for fentanyl and pethidine but were higher significantly for dexamethasone at all four mentioned times. The mean average time of ability to walk was significantly longer for dexamethasone. The analgesic requirements during the first 24 h after intraarticular injection were significantly greater only for dexamethasone too. Better postoperative analgesia, less pain score and shorter time to walk were achieved by fentanyl and pethidine in comparison to dexamethasone but the results were not significantly different between fentanyl group and pethidine

[Couples' Knowledge and attitude about sexuality in pregnancy]

Alteration in pattern of sexuality is known to be impressed by couples' believes about women's physical and psychological changes during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of couples about sexual relations during pregnancy. In a descriptive study from February to April 2005, two hundred sixty six consecutive pregnant women referring to a university hospital were asked to answer a questionnaire containing questions their sexual status and some demographic data. In 122 cases the answers of the spouses was collected also. The answers were compared in divided groups according to age range, duration of marriage, parity and educational status. Fifty five percent of men and fifty eight percent of women had a negative attitude about sexual relations during pregnancy, and 60% of men and 75% of women presented incorrect knowledge about sexuality during pregnancy. Main reasons for decreased sexual relations in pregnancy were mentioned to be dysparaunia, and the fear of trauma to the baby, abortion, membrane rapture, preterm labor and infection. As couples' knowledge and attitudes about sexuality affect their general sexual behavior during pregnancy it is crucial to provide proper consultation regarding sexual relations in prenatal care services

[Prescribing practices in childhood gastro-enteritis and its comparison with WHO guidelines]

Dehydration resulting from acute diarrhea kills 1.5 million children each year. Rational management is based on oral re-hydration as recommended by the World Health Organization. This study was conducted to define the rationality of prescriptions written for acute watery diarrhea in children. A cross-sectional study was done on children who had been treated for acute gastroenteritis during the two weeks prior to their visit to the clinics of two teaching hospitals. Information obtained through interviewing the caretakers and scrutinizing the prescriptions, was documented. Prescribing practices of general practitioners and pediatricians were compared in three settings; private offices, hospital outpatients, and general polyclinics. 273 prescriptions were analyzed. An average of 4.1+/-2.3 drugs had been prescribed on each visit. At least one antibiotic was included in more than 76% of prescriptions. 60% of children were not given ORS. An injection was written in 51% of prescriptions and anti-emetics in 61%. There was no significant difference between general practitioners and pediatricians in the number of drugs per prescription. 75.7% of pediatricians and 78.5% of GPs had prescribed at least one antibiotic [p=0.58]. In teaching hospitals the average number of drugs prescribed for each visit was 3.1, in polyclinics, 3.2 and in private offices 3.6 [p=0.03]. Unjustified use of medicines and sub-optimal management of acute gastroenteritis were identified in more than 70% of prescriptions. Further studies and effective training programs are urgently needed to reverse current irrational treatment practices

[Monoclonal antibody production against human spermatozoal surface antigens]

As monoclonal antibodies are potential tools for characterization of soluble or cellular surface antigens, use of these proteins has always been considered in infertility and reproduction research. Therefore, in this study, monoclonal antibodies against human sperm surface antigens were produced. To produce specific clones against human sperm surface antigens, proteins were extracted using solubilization methods. Balb/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally with the proteins using complete Freund's adjuvant in the first injection and incomplete Adjuvant in the following booster injections. Hybridoma cells producing ASA were cloned by limiting dilution. Five stable ASA producing hybridoma clones were achieved and their antibody isotypes were determined by ELISA. All the isotypes were of IgG class. Their cross reactivity with rat and mice spermatozoa was examined but they did not have any cross reactivity. The produced antibodies can be used in further studies to characterize and evaluate each of the antigens present on human sperm surface and determining their role in fertilization

[Study on capability of some quality control chemical Methods in comparison with total psychtrophic bacterial count in some species of frozen bony fish]

Objective: To find the precise and suitable method in hygienic quality control of some commercial marine species such as Skipjack tuna and Talang queenfish

Design: Comparative study

Animals: A total number of 20 frozen bony marine fish, i.e. Skipjack tuna [Katsuwonus pelamis] and Talang queenfish [Scomberoides commersonianus] which obtaind frizely

Procedures: The prepared samples transported to the food hygiene laboratory and after aerobic psychrotrophic bacterial total count [TC] and macro kjeldal determination of total volatile nitrogen [TVN] by APHA, FDA and AOAC methods, they were removed and transmitted to the central laboratory of food and drug quality control for evaluation of Trimethylamine [TMA] and histamine

Statistical analysis: Using SPSS statistical program including Kappa and Fisher's exact tests

Results: No significant correlation observed between the consideration factors and total count in all 20 studied species [P>0.05]

Conclusion: According to the results of this study in comparing histamine, trimethylamine and total volatile nitrogen with total count that indicates no significant correlation, it seems that none of these methods can be supposed as a precise quality control index, lonely