Consecutive versus concomitant follicle-stimulating hormone and highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin: A milder response but better quality / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#This study investigated the impact of two stimulation protocols using highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (HP-hMG) on the endocrine profile, follicular fluid soluble Fas levels, and outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. @*Methods@#This prospective clinical trial included 100 normal-responder women undergoing ovarian stimulation for ICSI; 55 patients received concomitant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plus HP-hMG from the start of stimulation, while 45 patients received FSH followed by HP-hMG during mid/late follicular stimulation. The primary outcome was the number of top-quality embryos. The secondary outcomes were the number and percentage of metaphase II (MII) oocytes and the clinical pregnancy rate. @*Results@#The number of MII oocytes was significantly higher in the concomitant protocol (median, 13.0; interquartile range [IQR], 8.5–18.0 vs. 9.0 [8.0–13.0] in the consecutive protocol; p=0.009); however, the percentage of MII oocytes and the fertilization rate were significantly higher in the consecutive protocol (median, 90.91; IQR, 80.0–100.0 vs. 83.33 [75.0–93.8]; p=0.034 and median, 86.67; IQR, 76.9–100.0 vs. 77.78 [66.7–89.9]; p=0.028, respectively). No significant between-group differences were found in top-quality embryos (p=0.693) or the clinical pregnancy rate (65.9% vs. 61.8% in the consecutive vs. concomitant protocol, respectively). The median follicular fluid soluble Fas antigen level was significantly higher in the concomitant protocol (9,731.0 pg/mL; IQR, 6,004.5–10,807.6 vs. 6,350.2 pg/mL; IQR, 4,382.4–9,418.4; p=0.021). @*Conclusion@#Personalized controlled ovarian stimulation using HP-hMG during the late follicular phase led to a significantly lower response, but did not affect the quality of ICSI.

Management of internal derangement of temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction using two different lines of treatment / Manejo do desarranjo interno do deslocamento de disco temporomandibular com redução utilizando dois tipos diferentes de tratamento

Objetive: This study was to compare the effectiveness of arthrocentesis versus the insertion of anterior repositioning splint (ARS) in improving the mandibular range of motion (MRM) for patients with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR). Methods: 36 patients diagnosed as ADDwR were recruited and divided randomly into two groups. The first group (G1) was treated by arthrocentesis, and the second (G2) was treated using ARS. All patients were reexamined after six months. Results: Except that for protrusive movement, there were significant differences between the two groups for the percentage changes of the MRM as measured by the amount of pain free opening, unassisted opening, maximum assisted opening, right lateral and left lateral movements (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the context of the current study, the non-invasive, lower cost ARS, provided better results in improving the MRM when managing ADDwR cases. (AU)

Objetivo: O presente estudo comparou a eficácia da Artrocentese em relação à inserção da Placa Reposicionadora Anterior (PRA) na melhoria da Amplitude de Movimento Mandibular (AMM) para pacientes que apresentam Deslocamento de Disco Anterior com Redução (DDAcR) da Articulação Temporomandibular (ATM). Método: 36 pacientes diagnosticados como DDAcR foram recrutados e divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O primeiro grupo (G1) foi tratado através da Artrocentese e o segundo (G2), tratado com a PRA. Todos os pacientes foram reexaminados após seis meses. Resultados: Com exceção do movimento protrusivo, houve diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos para as mudanças percentuais das medidas de AMM pela quantidade de abertura sem dor, abertura sem assistência, abertura máxima com assistência, movimentos laterais direitos e laterais esquerdos (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Dentro do contexto do estudo atual, a PRA, não invasiva e de menor custo, proporcionou melhores resultados na melhoria da AMM no gerenciamento de casos de DDAcR (AU)

Para além dos retratos comuns sobre a condição de refúgio e de migração: narrativas de mulheres palestinas sobre seu protagonismo no Brasil / Beyond the common traits on the condition of refuge and migration: narratives of palestinian women about their activism in Brazil / Más allá de los retratos comunes sobre la condición de refugio y migración: narrativas de mujeres palestinas sobre su activismo en Brasil

Este artigo versa a respeito de processos de superação das situações de refúgio e migração. Partimos da constatação de que ambas as situações são caracterizadas, em geral, pela vulnerabilidade, haja visto a exposição das pessoas envolvidas a situações limites de sobrevivência. Porém, demonstrando um lado menos conhecido deste contexto, pretendemos dar visibilidade e voz a exemplos de superação e de protagonismo feminino árabe-palestino destas situações, através dos relatos de experiências de duas mulheres de origem palestina, que se refugiaram no Brasil e atualmente auxiliam refugiados/as que aqui chegam. Como metodologia utilizamos pesquisa bibliográfica e entrevistas estruturadas, cujas narrativas iremos interpretar com base nos depoimentos. Os relatos corroboram a necessidade de um olhar longitudinal sobre as implicações dos processos de migração e de refúgio onde se manifesta a capacidade de resiliência e superação de mulheres que vivenciaram tais processos e a despeito de seu estado de vulnerabilidade, apontam que os/as principais apoiadores/as das ações são pessoas e entidades civis, haja vista o atual descaso do poder público para com estes projetos. (AU)

This article deals with processes of overcoming refuge and migration situations. We start from the observation that both situations are characterized, in general, by vulnerability, having seen the exposure of the people involved to situations of survival limits. However, by demonstrating a lesser known side of this context, we intend to give visibility and voice to examples of overcoming and female Arab-Palestinian protagonist of these situations, through the reports of experiences of two women of Palestinian origin, who took refuge in Brazil and currently assist refugees. / the ones that arrive here. As methodology we use bibliographic research and structured interviews, whose narratives we will interpret based on the statements. The reports corroborate the need for a longitudinal look at the implications of migration and refuge processes in which the resilience and overcoming capacity of women who have experienced such processes is manifested and despite their state of vulnerability, point out that the main supporters the actions are people and civil entities, given the current disregard of the public power towards these projects. (AU)

Este artículo trata sobre los procesos de superación de situaciones de refugio y migración. Partimos de la observación de que ambas situaciones se caracterizan, en general, por la vulnerabilidad, habiendo visto la exposición de las personas involucradas a situaciones límite de supervivencia. Sin embargo, demostrando un lado menos conocido de este contexto, pretendemos dar visibilidad y voz a ejemplos de superación y protagonismo femenino árabe-palestino de estas situaciones, a través de los relatos de las experiencias de dos mujeres de origen palestino, refugiadas en Brasil. y actualmente asisten a los refugiados / aquellos que llegan aquí. Como metodología utilizamos la investigación bibliográfica y las entrevistas estructuradas, cuyas narrativas interpretaremos en base a los testimonios. Los informes confirman la necesidad de una mirada longitudinal a las implicaciones de los procesos de migración y refugio donde se muestra la capacidad de resiliencia y superación de las mujeres que vivieron dichos procesos y a pesar de su estado de vulnerabilidad, señalan que los principales apoyadores de las acciones son personas y entidades civiles, dado el desconocimiento actual de los poderes públicos por estos proyectos. (AU)

Dexmedetomidine during suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block for pediatric cleft palate repair, randomized double-blind controlled study

Background@#For children with cleft palates, surgeries at a young age are necessary to reduce feeding or phonation difficulties and reduce complications, especially respiratory tract infections and frequent sinusitis. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine might prolong the postoperative analgesic duration when added to bupivacaine during nerve blocks. @*Methods@#Eighty patients of 1-5 years old were arbitrarily assigned to two equal groups (forty patients each) to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks. Group A received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%; maximum volume 4 mL/side). Group B received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%) + 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (maximum volume 4 mL/side). @*Results@#The modified children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale score was significantly lower in group B children after 8 hours of follow-up postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean values of heart rate and blood pressure were significantly different between the groups, with lower mean values in group B (P < 0.001). Median time to the first analgesic demand in group A children was 10 hours (range 8-12 hr), and no patients needed analgesia in group B. The sedation score assessment was higher in children given dexmedetomidine (P = 0.03) during the first postoperative 30 minutes. Better parent satisfaction scores (5-point Likert scale) were recorded in group B and without serious adverse effects. @*Conclusions@#Addition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.125% has accentuated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair with less postoperative supplemental analgesia or untoward effects.

Knowledge and Perception of Risks and Use of E-Cigarettes (Vaping) Among Adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Introduction: In the last decade, electronic cigarettes have emerged and spread over the world. Different generations varying in designs and features were developed. Objectives: The main objective of this study is to examine the level of awareness, knowledge, and perception about e-cigarettes and their use among the adults in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia aged 18 and above. We also examined the reasons e-cigarettes are used and whether adults who use e-cigarette were at risk of smoking conventional tobacco or e-cigarettes helped them quit smoking or not. Procedure/ method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted and data was obtained through an online questionnaire. Targeted people were aged 18 and above and lived in the eastern province. Data collected included demographics such as age, sex, income, etc. The questions tested their knowledge and awareness on electronic cigarettes regarding safety, usage, and whether it led to conventional cigarette use, or quitting of the same. Results: The total number of participants was 1080. The prevalence of vaping among participants was 33.6%. The most common age group of participants who did vaping was 18-24 years. 53.8% of participants believed that electronic cigarettes were not safer than nicotine products. 34.3% thought that electronic cigarettes were safer than regular cigarettes and tobacco products, whereas 46.6% of them thought that they are not safer. 46% believed that electronic cigarettes contained dangerous chemicals while 18.4% thought the opposite. 11.6% reported that they had been pushed into using traditional tobacco. 26.8% reported that they quit tobacco products after switching to electronic cigarettes, whilst 16.8% reported that they reduced the usage of tobacco products after the switch. Yet, 17.9% kept using traditional tobacco products in the same quantities after switching to electronic cigarettes. Conclusion: Vaping is increasingly used among adults and a significant amount of people are unaware of its risks. Even though it may help some people quit traditional smoking, its risks have been established and hence, awareness should be raised.

Comparing the Clinical Success Rate of Self-Drilling and Self-Tapping Mini-screws in the Retraction of Maxillary Anterior Teeth

Objective: To compare the success of self-drilling and self-tapping methods in the retraction of maxillary anterior teeth. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 57 subjects with Cl II malocclusion who needed to be treated with extraction of four maxillary teeth. The selftapping method was used on the left side and the self-drilling method was used on the right side. Then, the pain rate of each method was recorded by the numerical rating scale (NRS). Statistical analysis was done by t-test and Chi-square test. The significance level in this study was considered at p-value<0.05. Results: Considering the clinical mobility as the failure, the success of treatment was equal in both methods and was 93%. The inflammation around the mini-screws was 8.8%. A significant relationship was found between the variables inflammation and success (p<0.05). The mean pain was 2.47 but there was no significant difference between the two methods in terms of pain score (p>0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups (p=0.03). The pain was significantly higher in the female. Conclusion: There is no difference between self-drilling and self-tapping methods in terms of success. Comparison of the pain between two genders according to the replantation method showed a significant difference in pain sensation between two genders. The pain sensation mean in female group was greater than male group.

New Faunistic Records of Armoured Scale Insects of Southern Iran (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

ABSTRACT As a result of recent field work in southern Iran from 2012 to 2016, twenty species of armoured scale insects were collected, representing two subfamilies (Aspidiotinae and Diaspidinae) and 4 tribes including Aspidiotini (8 species in 5 genera), Diaspidini (4 species in 2 genera), Leucaspidini (5 species in 4 genera) and Parlatoriini (3 species in 1 genus). The species Diaspidiotus gigas (Thiem and Gerneck), is illustrated and redescribed from Iran for the first time. In addition, four species are reported and redescribed from south of Iran for the first time: Aspidiotus nerii Bouché, Diaspidiotus armenicus Borchsenius, Leucaspis pusilla Löw, Melanaspis louristana Balachowsky and Kaussari.

Prevalence of occult hepatitis b infection in iranian cancer patients before chemotherapy treatment / Prevalência de infecção oculta da hepatite B em pacientes iranianos com câncer antes do tratamento de quimioterapia

ABSTRACT Background Occult hepatitis B infection is characterized by negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and also detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) -DNA, with or without hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). HBV reactivation in individuals under immunosuppressive therapy is critical, occurring in occult HBV. Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of occult HBV infection among hepatitis B surface antigen negative in cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy. Methods Sera from 204 cancer patients who were negative for HBsAg, were tested for anti-HBc antibodies. The samples that were negative for HBsAg but positive for anti-HBc also examined for HBV-DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Of the 204 HBsAg negative blood samples, 11 (5.4%) samples were positive for anti-HBc antibodies. HBV-DNA was detected in 9/11 (81%) of anti-HBc positive samples. Occult HBV infection in hematological cancers was more than solid cancers, 4.8% and 4.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in HBc antibody positivity based on vaccination, previous blood transfusions, history of familial hepatitis or biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin levels) (P>0.05). Conclusion Screening of occult HBV infection by HBsAg, HBV DNA and anti HB core antibody should be suggested as a routine investigation in cancer patients before receiving chemotherapy.

RESUMO Contexto A infecção oculta da hepatite B caracteriza-se por antígeno de superfície da hepatite B (AgHBs) negativo com vírus detectável da hepatite B (HBV) -DNA, com ou sem anticorpo de núcleo da hepatite B (anti-HBc). A reativação do HBV em indivíduos sob terapia imunossupressora é crítica, originando a infecção oculta pelo VHB. Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de infecção oculta pelo VHB entre em pacientes com câncer e com antígeno de superfície da hepatite B negativo antes de receber quimioterapia. Métodos Soro de 204 pacientes com câncer que foram negativos para AgHBs, foram testados para anticorpos anti-HBc. As amostras que foram negativos para AgHBs, mas positivo para anti-HBc foram também examinadas para HBV-DNA, por reação em cadeia da polimerase. Resultados Entre 204 amostras de sangue AgHBs negativas, 11 (5,4%) foram positivos para anticorpos anti-HBc. HBV-DNA foi detectado em 9/11 (81%) das amostras positivas de anti-HBc. Infecção oculta de VHB em câncer hematológico foi maior que em cânceres sólidos, 4,8% e 4,3% respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa na positividade anti-HBc, com base na vacinação, transfusões de sangue anteriores, história de hepatite familiar ou parâmetros bioquímicos (ALT, AST, total e níveis de bilirrubina total) (P & gt; 0,05). Conclusão A triagem de infecção oculta por AgHBs, HBV-DNA e anti-anticorpo de núcleo HB deve ser sugerida como uma investigação de rotina em pacientes com câncer antes de receber a quimioterapia.

Comparative study of vitamin [D] Status in Full Term and Preterm Infants and Their Respective Mothers

Background: Vitamin D Is important for maintenance of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and bone mineralization. Vitamin D deficiency in the mothers has possible adverse effects on the fetus and contributes to low vitamin D in infancy

Objectives: To assess vitamin D status, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphate in preterm infants and their mothers

Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 46 neonates, and their mothers

The study was conducted between July and December 2013. The following had been done for all patients: Full medical history and clinical examination for mothers and their neonates, Laboratory investigation: Maternal blood And cord blood samples were collected at Delivery to measure vitamin D [vit. D], Calcium [Ca], phosphorus [P] and alkaline phosphate [ALP]

Results: Maternal hypovitaminosis D [vitamin D [25 [OH] D] <10 ng//ML was found in 89.% of pregnant women at the time of delivery and neonatal hypovitaminosis D [vitamin D <10 ng//mL] was found in 93.5% of studied neonates

Maternal vit D did not correlate to maternal dietary vit D, but it correlated to cord blood vit D was correlated to cord blood vit D but not cord blood Ca, Phosphorus, or alkaline phosphates

Conclusion: Vitamin D levels in Egyptian mothers delivery is deficient and it correlates well to cord blood Vitamin D levels

Cytokine Pattern is Affected by Training Intensity in Women Futsal Players

To find the relation between exercise and cytokines, we examined the effect of the training intensity on the levels of cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interlukine-4 (IL-4) and interlukine-4/interferon-gamma ratio (IL-4/IFN-γ ratio) in female Futsal players. Twelve well-trained female college Futsal players aged 19~22 participated in this study. The athletes completed 30-min of running at 60~65% maximal heart rate [moderate-intensity exercise], and 30-min of running at 75~80% maximal heart rate [high-intensity exercise]. peripheral blood samples were collected 24 h before and 24 h and 48 h after each of the exercise bouts. finding showed that The 30-min bout of moderate-intensity exercise induced a significant increase in IFN-γ (p=0.01) and significant decreases in IL-4 (p=0.001) and IL-4/IFN-γ ratio (p=0.003). And also, 30-min of running at 75~80% maximal heart rate induced increase in IFN-γ (p=0.07) and decreased in IL-4 (p=0.01) and IL-4/IFN-γ ratio (p=0.06) that these changes not significantly. In summary, exercise intensity can effect on the magnitude of changes in cytokines. It seems that moderate intensity exercise enhances cytokine pattern in female college Futsal players.

Enamel surface roughness after orthodontic bracket debonding and composite resin removal by two types of burs

Objective: Increased enamel surface roughness following orthodontic bracket debonding leads to increased plaque accumulation and enamel decalcification. Therefore, different methods are employed to achieve smoother enamel surfaces after bracket debonding. This study compared enamel surface roughness following orthodontic bracket debonding and composite resin removal using white stone and tungsten carbide burs

Methods: In this in-vitro, experimental study, 20 first and second premolars of 10-20 year-olds were collected and their crowns were mounted in acrylic blocks. Roughness of the buccal surfaces of teeth was determined by atomic force microscopy [AFM] and the brackets were bonded to the teeth. After bracket debonding, composite remnants were removed using white stone and tungsten carbide burs. Parameters of enamel surface roughness were determined by AFM and time required for composite removal was also calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the changes in parameters based on the time of measurement, type of bur and their interaction effect. Time required for composite resin removal by bur was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons

Results: Resin removal increased enamel surface roughness compared to the baseline values in all groups. However, no significant differences were noted between the two types of burs regarding arithmetic average of the roughness profile [Ra], the root mean square roughness [Rq] and the maximum peak-to-valley height in the sampling length [Rt] after resin removal. Time required for resin removal with tungsten carbide bur [34.2 seconds] was significantly shorter than with white stone bur [56.6 seconds][both ps<0.0001]

Conclusion: Considering the similar enamel surface roughness values achieved by the two burs, tungsten carbide burs are recommended for resin removal following orthodontic bracket debonding

Frequency and seasonal distribution of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in children in tertiary hospital Karachi - Pakistan

Malaria vector born disease caused by Plasmodium species is transmitted through female anopheles mosquito. It is becoming a serious health challenge in Pakistan listed among top ten malaria endemic countries. In year 2012, 85,000 malarial cases reported across Sind province. Accumulation of water and poor public healthcare system in post monsoon season facilitates breeding of vector resulting in an increase prevalence of malaria. This study aimed to observe the rate of malaria in children [mean age 07 years] with fever, high temperature, headache and shivering who visited Civil hospital in year 2013. Evaluation of month wise and seasonal distribution of malarial species found to cause disease in Karachi-Pakistan was done. Blood samples collected through finger prick observed by thick and thin microscopy. Immuno chromatography performed to confirm negative microscopy results. During period of twelve month, 5519 blood samples screened and 947[18%] found positive for malaria parasites. Most frequent species P. vivax [76%] followed by P. falciparum [24%]. Seasonal distribution of malaria patients were 105 in winter, 306 in pre monsoon and 519 in post monsoon. In months of March to September 97-100% P. vivax species documented and in October to February both P. falciparum and P. vivax found in ratio 1:1. Proper awareness regarding wearing of proper protective clothing should be imparted to low socioeconomic people. Non-government and civilian bodies should encourage local population to actively participate in clearing mosquito breeding sites. As number of malarial patients are increasing it is recommended that malaria control programme should also focus on research regarding development of novel compound/synergistic combination effective against drug resistant plasmodium species and anopheles mosquito

Synthesis of Some New Phthalimides as Anti-metabolic Agents with Chemotherapeutic Effects.

A series of new phthalimides 1(a-f) were synthesized via reaction phthalic anhydride with different amino acids under fusion conditions. Esterification of N-phthaloyl acid derivatives 1(a-f) with methanol in the presence of SOCl2 to producing the corresponding esters 2(a-f). Which on reaction with hydrazine hydrate in boiling n-butanol afforded the corresponding N-phthaloyl acid hydrazides 4(a-f) Reaction of compound (4a) with different aldehydes and ketones yielded the corresponding hydrazone derivatives 5(a-d). Some new phthalimides linked to hetero cyclic moieties such as benzimidazoles, benzoxazines and quinazolines were synthesized. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed from their analytical and spectral data such as, IR spectra, 1H-NMR and mass spectra. Antimicrobial against two types of bacteria and anticancer activity for some of the synthesized imides were evaluated. The results showed that most of them have a good antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Non-diethylstilbestrol-associated primary clear cell carcinoma of the vagina: two case reports with immunohistochemical studies and literature review

Primary clear cell adenocarcinomas most commonly involve the genitourinary system, including the vagina. Previously, primary clear cell adenocarcinomas of the vagina have been discussed within the context of prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol. Due to its widely proven role in the development of this carcinoma, administration of diethylstilbestrol is prohibited. We present two cases of non-diethylstilbestrol-associated primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina from the archives of the Anatomical Pathology Department at King Abdulaziz University in order to improve our understanding of its biological behavior. Our findings suggest that primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina may be unrelated to diethylstilbestrol exposure and that non-diethylstilbestrol-associated primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina, when present at a younger age, may have a worse prognosis

Parathyroid hormone measurement in prediction of hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy

To determine the risk of postthyroidectomy hypocalcaemia by measuring parathyroid hormone [PTH] level after thyroidectomy. Cross-sectional study. Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from March 2008 to July 2010. All included patients were referred for total or near bilateral thyroidectomy. Serum Calcium [Ca] and PTH levels were measured before and 24 hours after surgery. In low Ca cases or development of hypocalcaemia symptoms, daily monitoring of Ca levels were continued. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software [SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA]. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. To assess the standard value of useful predictive factors, we used receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves. Of total 99 patients who underwent bilateral thyroidectomy, 47 patients [47.5%] developed hypocalcaemia, out of them, 12 [25.5%] became symptomatic while 2 patients developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. After surgery, mean rank of PTH level within the normocalcaemic and hypocalcaemic patients was 55.34 and 44.1 respectively, p=0.052. Twenty four hours after surgery, 62% drop in PTH was associated with 83.3% of symptomatic hypocalcaemic. For diagnosis of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, 62% PTH drop had sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 90.80%. The area under the ROC curve for the PTH postoperative and PTH drop for diagnostic symptomatic hypocalcaemia were 0.835 and 0.873 respectively. Measuring PTH levels after 24 hours postthyroidectomy is not reliable factor for predicting hypocalcaemia itself. For predicting the risk of hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy it is more reliable to measure the serum PTH level before and after operation and compare the reduction level of percentage of PTH drop for predicting the risk of hypocalcaemia

Comparative study in the diagnosis of anemia by sysmex kx-21n hematology analyzer with peripheral blood smear

In this era, automated peripheral blood count for the diagnosis of anemia is widely accepted in routine practice. Despite the sophistication of present day instruments, there is still need to depend on manual microscopic scan of peripheral blood smear for the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of different types of anemia. Also, the correlation between automated hematology analyzer and manual microscopic scan is rare and conflicting. Hence, the present study was designed to demonstrate a procedure that, the uses of manual scan is to validate rather than to replace automation. The benefit of manual microscopic scan is the ability to identify clinically significant cell type that are not quantifiable by instruments as it "flags" on such type of cells. Therefore, automated hematology analyzer are as reliable as standard manual scan, even though the latter gives additional diagnostic information through blood pictures and less imprecision and technical error over automation. Patient care and lab operations could be optimized as a validation procedure rather than as a reflexive substitute. Hence manual microscopic scan is still gold standard in the diagnosis and classification of anemia and other blood disorders. Whereas usage of automated method would ease our workload and save time for patients.

Correlations between preoperative measurement of prostate volume by transabdominal and transrectal ultrasound with open prostatectomy

Despite being formally included in the assessment of patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS], transrectal ultrasonography [TRUS] is not routinely offered to these patients. Data exist on the superiority of TRUS over transabdominal ultrasound in accurately predicting prostate volume. To evaluate which of these methods are more accurate in calculation of prostate volume. The volume is most commonly measured using the formula, prostate volume=height×width×length/6, which is derived considering the gland as ellipsoid, Thirty five patients aged [60-75] years; with mean age [65.1 +/- 4.016] years and mean of serum prostate specific antigen [PSA] [1.429 +/- 0.3149] complaining from LUTS due to benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] underwent suprapubic prostatectomy .TRUS was performed in all patients preoperatively and calculations of the prostate volume were made. These were compared with respective transabdominal calculations of the prostate volume as well as the enucleated specimen weight. TRUS slightly underestimated weight by [8.6%].while transabdominal U/S overestimated it by [94.3%] Pearson correlation analysis indicated TRUS as a better predictor of weight [0.661] at P-value of <0.001 [extremely significant] followed by transabdominal U/S [0.465] at P-Value of <0.01 [highly significant]. TRUS is more accurate than transabdominal U/S in predicting adenoma volume in patients with BPH

Serum leptin levels and their correlation with thyroid hormones in women with hyperemesis gravidarum

Leptin is a protein that regulates energy expenditure and food intake. It is found that maternal leptin level increases progressively during gestation. However, in other hypothesis, rapid increase in maternal leptin concentration disproportional to gestational week is a marker for hyperemesis gravidarum. To assess the maternal serum leptin, the adjusted leptin levels in first trimester women with hyperemesis gravidarum and with normal pregnancy and to find the correlation between leptin level and thyroid hormones in the two groups. A case-control study conducted in Al Yarmouk teaching hospital /department of obstetrics and gynaecology for one year from March 2009 to March 2010. A hundred pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Fifty women with hyperemesis gravidarum and fifty women without hyperemesis gravidarum as a control group were included in the study. The two groups were compared for age, parity, body mass index. Fasting serum thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyronine hormone, free thyroxine hormone and leptin levels were measured. The adjusted leptin level [ALL]: maternal serum leptin level / gestational week, was calculated in each case. Body mass index was found significantly lower in the hyperemesis gravidarum group than in the control group[p=0.018]. The mean leptin level in the hyperemsis gravidarum group was14.78 +/- 4.46 ng /ml which was significantly higher [p=0.035] than the mean leptin level in the control group which was12.51 +/- 4.08 ng/ml. The mean adjusted leptin level in the hyperemsis gravidarum group was 1.86 +/- 0.23 which was significantly higher [p<0.001] than the mean adjusted leptin level in the control group which was1.38 +/- 0.20. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone was significantly lower [p=0.001] and free thyronine hormone, free thyroxin hormone levels were significantly higher [p<0.001,<0.001 respectively] in the hyperemesis gravidarum group than in the control group. Maternal serum leptin level was significantly higher in the HG group. ALL was also significantly higher in the HG group and there was no significant correlation between leptin level and thyroid hormones

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus small incision cholecystectomy in symptomatic gallstones disease

To compare the results and outcomes of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC] with the small incision cholecystectomy [SIC]. Observational study. Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from February 2008 to March 2009. Patients with symptomatic gallstones that were referred and enrolled in the study for LC or SIC. Operation, anaesthesia, analgesics and postoperative care were standardized. The patients were assessed for operation time, postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting, hospital stay, return to work time and complications in the postoperative period on day 1, 1 week, 1 month and 6 months, postoperatively. Of 144 patients, 81 underwent LC and 63 underwent SIC. Both groups were matched for age, gender, BMI, clinical findings and ASA grading. The mean duration of operation was 74 and 62 minutes in the LC and SIC groups, respectively [p = 0.0059]. Duration of hospital stay and return to regular activities were shorter after LC compared to SIC. Pain scores, nausea and vomiting were the same in both groups, although the frequency of intra-operative complications were greater in LC compared to SIC. Outcome and complications of SIC were comparable with those of LC

intelligence quotient [IQ] score in patients aged 12-18 yrs. with dentoskeletal malocclusion under orthodontic treatment in Shahid Beheshti dental school during 2008-2009

The relationship between IQ score and malocclusion is a subject that has been the focus of attention in the field of orthodontics. The present study aimed at determining the IQ score of patients with dentoskeletal malocclusions presenting to the Orthodontic Department of Shahid Beheshti Dental School during 2008-2009. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 patients aged 12-18 yrs. who were receiving orthodontic treatment. A questionnaire was designed containing 3 sections of demographic characteristics, general information and orthodontic treatment. The questionnaire was completed by the patient and senior dental students and patients were asked to take the Cattell Culture Fair III IQ test on the computer and the obtained IQ score was recorded. Data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. The mean IQ score of the understudy population was 98 +/- 16. IQ score had a significant correlation with level of education [P<0.001], age [P<0.001] and socioeconomic status [P<0.001]. However, type of skeletal malocclusion and facial growth pattern were not correlated with the IQ score. The obtained results showed no association between type of skeletal malocclusion or facial growth pattern and the IQ score