role of vaginal prolactin in diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes [PROM] is one of the most common complications of pregnancy that has a major impact on pregnancy outcomes. A diagnostic tool that is non-invasive, specific and quick is needed to predict PROM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic power of the vaginal washing fluid prolactin for the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes and to determine cut-off values. A total of 114 pregnant women were recruited in this diagnostic trial. The PROM group consisted of 54 pregnant women between 20 and 41 weeks of gestation with diagnosis of confirmed PROM [amniotic fluid pooling [+] and Nitrazine paper test [+] and fernt test [+]]. The control group consisted of 60 pregnant women between 20 and 41 weeks of gestation without any complaint or complication. All patients underwent speculum examination for amniotic fluid pooling, nitrazine paper test, fern test, vaginal washing fluid prolactin sampling. Vaginal fluid concentrations of prolactin was significantly different between the two groups [P<0.001]. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were 87.03%, 75.0%, 75.80%, 86.53% and 83.33% in detecting PROM by evaluation of vaginal fluid prolactin concentration with a cut-off value of 9.50 micro IU/ml, respectively. The prolactin levels in the washing fluid of the posterior vaginal fornix in our experience is reliable and non-invasive diagnostic tests of PROM

[Determination of slimness, low weight and low growth rates in rural and urban schoolboys in Golpayegan]

Malnutrition is one of the causative agents of death in children. So, this study was done for assessment of anthropometric indices of students and malnutrition status in Golpayegan, Iran. This research was done as a descriptive - analytical [inferential] study. Sampling was done as clusters and multistage. In order to collect data, the standard questionnaire of anthropometric indicators standards [ANIS] pattern was used. Low and low height was used based on Z score. Collected data was analyzed by Epi-info and SPSS software. Of 1062 schoolboys, 550 were male and 512 were female. Anthropometric indicators including age [month], weight [kg] and height [Cm] showed significant differences [P < 0.05]. The mean of malnutrition index was 5.4% [WAZ<-2] and 3% [WAZ<-2] in our study. The significant difference between prevalence of slimness, low weighting and low growth in rural and urban Schoolboys is an indicator of the undesirable situation in rural areas. Therefore, nutritional planning should be considered in rural children

Comparison of ELISA and three rapid HCG dipsticks in diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes

The importance of accurate diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes [PROM] is quite apparent while trying to diminish false negative or positive results as much as possible. This study compares Enzyme-Linked Immunosrbent Assay [ELISA] and three rapid human chorionic gonadothropin [HCG] dipsticks in diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes. During 2008-2009, 181 pregnant women with single pregnancy from 14 to 41 weeks of gestation who referred to Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital in Tehran, Iran were divided into two groups, 91 patients with PROM and 90 controls with matched gestational weeks. All patients underwent speculum examination for cervicovaginal washing fluid, HCG three rapid tests and ELISA. The HCG concentration of vaginal fluid was significantly different between the two groups. Using receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve and determining the threshold as 19 mlU/mL for HCG by ELISA method, the sensitivity was 94.5%; specificity, 91%; positive predictive value, 91.5%; negative predicted value, 94.2% and accuracy was 92.2%. In rapid diagnostic test, the most sensitivity was for ACON and the most specificity for DIMA. Comparing the four methods, DIMA strip showed the highest accuracy and the highest value in early diagnosis of ROM. The reliability of three rapid diagnostic tests in diagnosis of ROM in cervicovaginal discharge was acceptable

Effect of salivary contamination on shear bond strength of composite resin used between teeth and brackets

Enamel contaminations with salivary proteins or blood are the major reasons for debonding of brackets. The purpose of this study was to evaluate shear bond strengths of bonded brackets with enamel surfaces under different conditions. The Concise composite [3M, Unitek] was used for adhesion of 0.018 inch standard brackets [3M, Unitek]. Fresh human saliva was used for contamination of enamel surfaces. 90 teeth were divided into 6 groups: 1- No surface contamination, 2- Contaminated after etching, 3- Contamination after application of bonding resin, 4- Contamination after etching, then re-etching, 5- Contamination after resin bond application, then re-etching and 6- Contamination after resin bond, then application of resin bond again. Surface contaminations were dried in all groups. After bracket bonding, the samples were held in distilled water in 37°C for 24 hours. Specimens were then thermo-cycled for 650 times at 5°-55°Centigrade. Shear bond strengths were measured by DARTEC machine. Data were evaluated by Duncan and variance analysis. Statistical analysis of data reveals significant differences only in groups one and four [P < 0.05]. The maximum shear bond strength was observed in the fifth group [21.61 +/- 2.6 MP] and the minimum in the third one. After salivary contamination of enamel, adequate clinical shear bond strength can be gained with drying of contaminated area and re-etching for 10 seconds. No washing is required in this case

Morphine effects on mouse seminiferous epithelium by lectin histochemistry

Morphine causes disorders in testis and fertilization in animals. On the other hand they have shown important role of glycoconjugates in spermatogenesis. Lectins can detect glycoconjugates with specific terminal sugars. This study was conducted to assess possible effects of morphine on testicular glycoconjugates. One hundred and two BALB/c male mice [2-4 months] were assigned in three groups. One group received morphine, second treated with normal saline and third remained intact. After preparing paraffin blocks from testes, 5 micro m sections were obtained and incubated with different lectins by means of lectin histochemistry. Testicular cells reactions were assessed and graded with light microscope. Then results analyzed by variance test. Statistical test showed that there was a significant difference [p<0.05] in reaction to wheat germ agglutinin [WGA], specific for sialic acid, between experimental and control groups. About other lectins, which were employed for galactose, fucose and galactose- N acetyl galactosamine, there were no significant differences. Changing in reaction to WGA in significant reduction form in morphine treated samples, means sialic acid content reduction. Considering sialic acid importance in spermatogenesis, we can predict that adverse changes in spermatogenesis and reduction in fertilization rate due to sialic acid deficiency was resulted by morphine administration

How graduates from medicine choose their residency program in Iran?

Continuing education is one of priorities of newly graduates from medicine and selection of a proper residency program is a major problem for most of them. This study examined various motives and reasons for inclination of graduates from medicine to continue education in a special residency program and become specialized. This is a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was developed after holding a focus group.Validity and reliability of results using the questionnaire were assessed. Then the questionnaires were sent and received by free mart through universities. Chi-Suquare, One way ANOVA and Post Hoc test, Bonferroni type, was used to study relationships Between different variables. 1052 residents participated in the study. Response rate was 27%. The first and second most important information sources used to choose a residency program were experts and related books [like ketab-e-sabz] respectively. 303 [28.8%] of participants a greed that they need information a bout future of their specialties of choice. The most important factors influencing selection of a program, ordered according to their importance, were tangibility of the impacts of patients treatment, types of diseases, variety in a program, previous academic extensive job opportunities. This study showed there are various reasons to select a residency program. However information and awareness of resident a bout the program they chosed was not sufficient. Therefore informing residents before choosing programs seems to be necessary