Beneficial effects of intraovarian injection of platelet-rich plasma in women with poor ovarian response / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#Infertility can result from a diminished ovarian reserve, but a potential remedy exists in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration. This treatment involves both biological factors and tissue trauma mechanisms, which stimulate folliculogenesis, making it a promising and effective strategy. We assessed the impact of direct PRP injections into the ovaries on the fertility outcomes of women classified as poor responders. @*Methods@#A quasi-experimental study was conducted from April 2021 to December 2022, focusing on patients classified as POSEIDON grade 3 or 4. PRP injections were administered into both ovaries. After 3 months, data were collected on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, and the numbers of oocytes, mature oocytes, and good-quality embryos following ovarian stimulation. We then compared the data from before and after PRP injection. @*Results@#This study included 50 women, with a mean of 39 years (interquartile range [IQR], 35 to 43) and 4 years (IQR, 2 to 6) for age and infertility duration, respectively. FSH levels decreased after treatment, while AMH levels and the numbers of oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, and high-quality embryos increased. However, only the increase in high-quality embryos was significant. The pregnancy and spontaneous pregnancy rates were 20% and 14%, respectively. Notably, women with secondary infertility exhibited a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those with primary infertility. @*Conclusion@#Ample evidence suggests that PRP can enhance ovarian function. However, further studies are needed to identify the appropriate candidates for this procedure, establish the optimal PRP preparation method, and standardize the procedure for its adjuvant use in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

The COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare utilization in Iran: evidence from an interrupted time series analysis

Objectives@#This study aimed to examine the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on the hospitalization rate, emergency department (ED) visits, and outpatient clinic visits in western Iran. @*Methods@#We collected data on the monthly hospitalization rate, rate of patients referred to the ED, and rate of patients referred to outpatient clinics for a period of 40 months (23 months before and 17 months after the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran) from all 7 public hospitals in the city of Kermanshah. An interrupted time series analysis was conducted to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the outcome variables in this study. @*Results@#A statistically significant decrease of 38.11 hospitalizations per 10,000 population (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.93–51.29) was observed in the first month of the COVID-19 outbreak. The corresponding reductions in ED visits and outpatient visits per 10,000 population were 191.65 (95% CI, 166.63–216.66) and 168.57 (95% CI, 126.41–210.73), respectively. After the initial reduction, significant monthly increases in the hospitalization rate (an increase of 1.81 per 10,000 population), ED visits (an increase of 2.16 per 10,000 population), and outpatient clinic visits (an increase of 5.77 per 10,000 population) were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Conclusion@#Our study showed that the utilization of outpatient and inpatient services in hospitals and clinics significantly declined after the COVID-19 outbreak, and use of these services did not return to pre-outbreak levels as of June 2021.

Similarities and differences between kaiy in Persian medicine and moxibustion in Chinese medicine / 中西医结合学报

Kaiy (medieval cautery) is an ancient method of heat therapy in traditional Persian medicine (TPM). Some of its important applications have been neglected during the medical revolution. Meanwhile, different treatment modalities that incorporate heat, including moxibustion, have progressed in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we reviewed the main TPM textbooks that were written specifically in the field of kaiy. We considered the traditional teachings in the context of contemporary information, gathered from the scientific literature about moxibustion and modern cauterization. Some surgical therapeutic indications of kaiy (e.g., debridement and coagulative procedures) have been advanced by the innovation of electro-cauterization. However, those therapeutic applications that were based on the TPM humoral theory for relieving body coldness or myofascial pains-which are similar to moxibustion usages-have not received the same attention. Apart from the broad similarities of kaiy and moxibustion as thermal therapies with similar indications, there is a striking correspondence between kaiy point mapping and acupoints. Therefore, further research on different kaiy aspects is recommended. Please cite this article as: Jaladat AM, Alizadeh Vaghasloo M, Atarzadeh F, Ayati MH, Kazemi AH, Akin E, Hashempur MH. Similarities and differences between kaiy in Persian medicine and moxibustion in Chinese medicine. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(4):354-360.

Acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients receiving remdesivir: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract Objectives: Remdesivir is an antiviral agent with positive effects on the prognosis of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). However, there are concerns about the detrimental effects of remdesivir on kidney function which might consequently lead to Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). In this study, we aim to determine whether remdesivir use in COVID-19 patients increases the risk of AKI. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, medRxiv, and bio-Rxiv were systematically searched until July 2022, to find Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT) that evaluated remdesivir for its effect on COVID-19 and provided information on AKI events. A random-effects model metaanalysis was conducted and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. The primary outcomes were AKI as a Serious Adverse Event (SAE) and combined serious and non-serious Adverse Events (AE) due to AKI. Results: This study included 5 RCTs involving 3095 patients. Remdesivir treatment was not associated with a significant change in the risk of AKI classified as SAE (Risk Ratio [RR]: 0.71, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 0.43‒1.18, p = 0.19, low-certainty evidence) and AKI classified as any grade AEs (RR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.52‒1.33, p = 0.44, low-certainty evidence), compared to the control group. Conclusion: Our study suggested that remdesivir treatment probably has little or no effect on the risk of AKI in COVID-19 patients.

Royal jelly significantly alters inflammasome pathways in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Royal jelly (RJ) plays immunomodulatory role in humans. Further, role played by inflammasomes against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and involvement in its complications are well known. Here, we evaluated the effects of RJ on the relative expression of apoptosis associated with speck-like protein (ASC), node like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3, S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4), and S100A9, as the immune system-related molecules in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. RJ was administrated for 1 month (@1 g/day), to the patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. The relative expressions of ASC, NLRP1, NLRP3, S100A4 and S100A9 were evaluated using Real-Time PCR. The results showed that RJ increased the expression of ASC, but decreased the expression of NLRP1 in the patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Relative expressions of NLRP3, S100A4, and S100A9 were not altered following treatment with RJ. There were no significant differences between men and women regarding the relative expression of the molecules. The results suggest that RJ can modulate immune responses via downregulation of NLRP1. The roles played by ASC in other pathways suggest that the upregulation of ASC could be associated with its immunomodulatory potential.

The Value of Spiral Chest Computed Tomography Scan in the Diagnosis of Asymptomatic Coronavirus Carriers among Paranasal Sinus and Pharynx Surgery Candidates

Abstract Introduction The nasopharynx and oropharynx are the main colonization sites of coronavirus. Therefore, patients with paranasal sinuses and pharyngeal problems (ear, nose, and throat [ENT] patients) predispose coronavirus infection. Ear, nose, and throat patients with concomitant asymptomatic coronavirus infection may develop severe pneumonia following surgical procedures. As a result, presurgical screening for coronavirus infection is a substantial concern. Objective We evaluated the usefulness of a spiral chest computed tomography (CT) scan in the diagnosis of asymptomatic coronavirus infection in the presurgical assessment of ENT patients Methods In this study, candidates of paranasal sinus or pharyngeal surgery were evaluated for coronavirus infection. Patients with neither history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nor compatible symptoms and signs were screened for asymptomatic coronavirus infection. These patients composed two groups: the first group underwent a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of nasopharyngeal sample and spiral chest CTscan, but for the second one, only the latter was performed. Results In the first group, which consisted of 106 patients, 11 (10.4%) cases had positive RT-PCR test results, and 17 (16%) patients showed positive findings in favor of coronavirus infection in the spiral chest CT scan. In the second group, which consisted of 173 patients, 34 (19.7%) cases had positive chest CT scan results. Conclusion The chest CT scan has a valuable role in the early diagnosis of asymptomatic coronavirus carriers in patients highly predisposed to infection, especially in low resource areas, where the RT-PCR test is unavailable.

Biosensors: Types, features, and application in biomedicine

Fast and precise diagnostic techniques are required for the treatment of many disorders. Biosensors are one of the diagnostic devices that are applicable in biological and medical sciences. Biosensors could be utilized to recognize biological molecules with high sensitivity. Biosensors are consisted of different components and have different types. Each type of biosensor is used in a particular field according to its specific features. Nanobodies are a novel class of antibodies with small size, high affinity, and specificity to their target. The unique properties of nanobodies make them appropriate tools for diagnostic applications. In this paper, we review biosensors, and their features and roles in medicine. Antibody/nanobody-based biosensors are also specifically discussed.

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin-producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells on the endometrial receptivity and implantation sites of the mouse uterus / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#This research investigated the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on the implantation rate and embryo attachment in mice. @*Methods@#In this experimental study, a DNA fragment of the HCG gene was cloned into an expression vector, which was transfected into PBMCs. The concentration of the produced HCG was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Embryo attachment was investigated on the co-cultured endometrial cells and PBMCs in vitro. As an in vivo experiment, intrauterine administration of PBMCs was done in plaque-positive female mice. Studied mice were distributed into five groups: control, embryo implantation dysfunction (EID), EID with produced HCG, EID with PBMCs, and EID with HCG-producing PBMCs. Uterine horns were excised to characterize the number of implantation sites and pregnancy rate on day 7.5 post-coitum. During an implantation window, the mRNA expression of genes was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. @*Results@#DNA fragments were cloned between the BamHI and EcoRI sites in the vector. About 465 pg/mL of HCG was produced in the transfected PBMCs. The attachment rate, pregnancy rate, and the number of implantation sites were substantially higher in the HCG-producing PBMCs group than in the other groups. Significantly elevated expression of the target genes was observed in the EID with HCG-producing PBMCs group. @*Conclusion@#Alterations in gene expression following the intrauterine injection of HCG-producing PBMCs, could be considered a possible cause of increased embryo attachment rate, pregnancy rate, and the number of implantation sites.

The Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Capsule on Hot Flashes and Night Sweats in Postmenopausal Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives@#Menopause is associated with complications that could decline women’s health during this period. Therefore, some of its complications, such as hot flashes and night sweats, must be treated or alleviated. @*Methods@#This randomized controlled trial included postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Hamadan from May 2018 to April 2019. The hot flash and night sweat questionnaires were completed by the researcher a week before and 8 weeks after the intervention. The intervention group took one capsule (1,000 mg) of evening primrose oil twice daily, while the control group received the same amount of placebo. Finally, the results were analyzed using Stata 13. @*Results@#The mean scores of duration, frequency, and severity of hot flashes did not significantly decrease in both groups after the intervention compared with before the intervention, and no statistically significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). However, the intervention group had lower frequency and severity of night sweats after the intervention than the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). @*Conclusions@#Evening primrose oil effectively decreased the frequency and severity of night sweats.

The Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Capsule on Hot Flashes and Night Sweats in Postmenopausal Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives@#Menopause is associated with complications that could decline women’s health during this period. Therefore, some of its complications, such as hot flashes and night sweats, must be treated or alleviated. @*Methods@#This randomized controlled trial included postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Hamadan from May 2018 to April 2019. The hot flash and night sweat questionnaires were completed by the researcher a week before and 8 weeks after the intervention. The intervention group took one capsule (1,000 mg) of evening primrose oil twice daily, while the control group received the same amount of placebo. Finally, the results were analyzed using Stata 13. @*Results@#The mean scores of duration, frequency, and severity of hot flashes did not significantly decrease in both groups after the intervention compared with before the intervention, and no statistically significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). However, the intervention group had lower frequency and severity of night sweats after the intervention than the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). @*Conclusions@#Evening primrose oil effectively decreased the frequency and severity of night sweats.

Comparison of total antioxidant capacity of saliva in men based on daily cigarette consumption / Comparação da capacidade antioxidante total da saliva em homens com base no consumo diário de cigarros

Objectives: Antioxidants play an important role in neutralizing of destructive effects of free oxygen and nitrogen radicals. There are contradictory results regarding the relationship between cigarette smoking and total antioxidant capacity of saliva. In this study, the total antioxidant capacity of saliva has been compared in normal smokers, heavy smokers and non-smokers. Material and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 28 heavy male smokers (more than one pack of cigarettes per day), 28 normal male smokers (less than one pack of cigarettes per day), and 28 male non-smokers aged 25 to 40 years old entered the study. Unstimulated saliva was collected by Spitting method. The total antioxidant capacity of saliva was measured using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Tukey tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean total antioxidant capacity of saliva in male non-smokers was 0.0598 ± 0.08 µmol / L, in normal male smokers was 0.049 ± 0.04 µmol / L, and in heavy male smokers was 0.0388 ± 0.035 µmol / L, which did not show any significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that smoking does not have a significant effect on total antioxidant capacity of saliva in smokers (AU)

Objetivos: Os antioxidantes desempenham um papel importante na neutralização dos efeitos destrutivos do oxigênio livre e dos radicais de nitrogênio. Existem resultados contraditórios entre a relação do tabagismo e a capacidade antioxidante total da saliva. Neste estudo, a capacidade antioxidante total da saliva foi comparada em fumantes normais, fumantes pesados e não fumantes. Material e métodos: Neste estudo transversal, 28 fumantes pesados (mais de um maço de cigarros por dia), 28 fumantes normais (menos de um maço de cigarros por dia) e 28 homens não fumantes com idade entre 25 e 40 anos de idade foram incluídos no estudo. A saliva não estimulada foi coletada pelo método Spitting. A capacidade antioxidante total da saliva foi medida usando o ensaio de poder antioxidante redutor férrico. Estatística descritiva, ANOVA e testes de Tukey foram usados para analise dos dados.Resultados: A capacidade antioxidante total média da saliva em não fumantes do sexo masculino foi de 0,0598 ± 0,08 µmol / L, em fumantes normais do sexo masculino foi de 0,049 ± 0,04 µmol / L, e em fumantes pesados do sexo masculino foi de 0,0388 ± 0,035 µmol / L, e não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos (P> 0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo indicaram que o tabagismo não tem efeito significativo na capacidade antioxidante total da saliva em fumantes (AU)

COVID-19: Threat or Opportunity?

The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading quickly. Despite scientists' best efforts all over the world, there is not a vaccine or definite treatment for it and the novel coronavirus remains a threat to humanity with far-reaching, and in many cases, irredeemable consequences for the economic, political, social-psychological , and cultural aspects of humans' lives.(1)The quick transmission and fatality of the disease, absence of herd immunity, lack of or inequitable distribution of resources, e.g. Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE), and the existing challenges in the implementation of social distancing result in a daily increase in the number of victims and, consequently, an ever-expanding workload in healthcare systems worldwide. Moreover, the increasing mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 and lack of hospital beds and ventilators have led to healthcare provider's exhaustion and burnout.(1,2) Healthcare providers, especially nurses are the most vulnerable group in the face of the current disaster. Unfortunately, In the world, many front-line experts have lost their lives.(3)

A Comparison between Oblique and Vertical Incisions on the Hamstring Tendon Harvesting in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Infrapatellar Branch Injury of the Saphenous Nerve / Uma comparação entre incisões oblíquas e verticais na coleta do tendão dos isquiotibiais na reconstrução do LCA e na lesão do ramo infrapatelar do nervo safeno

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to compare the oblique and vertical incisions in hamstring tendon harvesting in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and in infrapatellar branch injury of the saphenous nerve. Methods The present study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for 12 months. Patients with an indication of reconstruction of ACL tear were included in the study, who were then randomized into two groups (vertical [VG] and oblique [OG] groups). After excluding a few cases, 92 patients were eligible for further analysis (VG: n= 44; OG: n = 48). They were followed-up for 9 months after the surgery, and loss of sensation over the knee and over the proximal aspect of the operated leg was recorded. Results The mean lengths of the incisions were 27 mm and 38 mm for the OG and VG groups, respectively. The total rate of hypoesthesia was 40% (27 patients). A total of 12 (25%) and 25 patients (56.8%) on the OG and VG groups, respectively, reported hypoesthesia symptoms. The presence of hypoesthesia in patients in the VG group was two times higher than in the OG group. No statistical correlation was observed between the nerve injury and age, gender, education, and delay from injury to reconstruction. Conclusion Oblique incision, which showed lower risk of nerve damage, might be more recommended for graft harvesting. Patients who underwent reconstruction of the ACL in the OG group had a lower incidence of peri-incisional hypoesthesia when compared to those in the VG group.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar as incisões oblíquas e verticais na coleta dos tendões dos isquiotibiais na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e na lesão do ramo infrapatelar do nervo safeno. Métodos O presente estudo foi realizado em um centro de referência terciário por 12 meses. Pacientes com indicação de reconstrução de uma ruptura do LCA foram incluídos no estudo, os quais foram randomizados em dois grupos (vertical [GV] e oblíquo [GO]). Após a exclusão de alguns casos, 92 pacientes foram elegíveis para análise posterior (GV: n= 44; GO: n = 48). Eles foram acompanhados por 9 meses após a cirurgia, e a perda de sensibilidade sobre o joelho e sobre o aspecto proximal da perna operada foi registrado. Resultados Os comprimentos médios da incisão foram de 27 mm e 38 mm para os grupos GO e GV, respectivamente. A taxa total de hipoestesia foi de 40% (27 pacientes). Um total de 12 (25%) e de 25 pacientes (56,8%) dos grupos GO e GV, respectivamente, relataram sintomas de hipoestesia. A presença de hipoestesia em pacientes no grupo GV foi duas vezes maior do que no grupo GO. Não foi observada correlação estatística entre a lesão do nervo e idade, gênero, escolaridade e demora entre a lesão e a reconstrução. Conclusão A incisão oblíqua, que apresentou menor risco de lesão nervosa, pode ser mais recomendada para a coleta do enxerto. Pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do LCA no grupo GO tiveram menor incidência de hipoestesia peri-incisional quando comparados aos pacientes do grupo GV.

Association of menopausal sexual dysfunction with demographic and obstetric factors in postmenopausal women in Hamadan, Iran

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common menopausal problem that may be affected by demographic factors. The present study aimed to determine demographic and obstetric factors affecting sexual dysfunction in menopause.Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 315 postmenopausal women in Hamadan. The research instruments included demographic questionnaire, and female sexual function index (FSFI). Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were used to investigate the association of different factors and sexual function at a significance level of less than 0.05.Results: The participants' mean age was 54.15±4.24 years. Their mean sexual function score was 18.92±4.25 indicating poor sexual function. The multivariate analysis indicated that increasing the number of spouse marriage, sexual function score decreased by 2.45 (p=0.006). Furthermore, the sexual function score in those, who were not satisfied with their marriage, was 5.58 points lower than those who were satisfied with their marriage status (p <0.001).Conclusions: Given the relationship between number of spouse marriage and marital satisfaction with sexual function in postmenopausal women, it is necessary to design and implement training sessions for them.

Effects of a Psychobiotic Supplement on Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Depressive Patients: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background/Aims@#Psychobiotics are probiotics or prebiotics that, upon ingestion in adequate amounts, yield positive influence on mental health via microbiota-gut-brain axis regulation to modulate the circulating cytokines, chemokines, neurotransmitters, or neurotrophins levels.We have recently shown that a psychobiotic combination (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175;CEREBIOME) significantly improved depression symptoms in patients with depression. Recent animal data suggest the influence of the gut microbiota on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which was shown to correlate with antidepressant response in depressive patients. Therefore, we conducted this exploratory post hoc analysis of BDNF levels to clarify the mechanism of action of this psychobiotic in our cohort. @*Methods@#Our study was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of patients with low-to-moderate depression receiving either a probiotic combination, prebiotic or placebo. From the 110 patients randomized in the trial, 78 were included in this post hoc analysis (probiotic, n = 28; prebiotic and placebo, n = 25). We compared serum BDNF levels from participants at baseline and endpoint, and assessed the Pearson correlation between depression severity and BDNF levels for each intervention. @*Results@#We found that post-intervention BDNF levels were significantly different between groups (P 0.05). @*Conclusion@#Eight-week supplementation with B. longum and L. helveticus in depressive patients improved depression symptoms, possibly by increasing BDNF levels.

Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol for Evaluating the Effect of Group Education on Postmenopausal Sexual Dysfunction

Objectives@#This study primarily aimed to determine the effect of group education on sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women referred to health centers in Hamadan, Iran. @*Methods@#This randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 90 postmenopausal women from October 2018 to March 2019.Postmenopausal women who met the inclusion criteria and received approval of a psychiatrist were randomly divided into intervention and control groups (n = 45 in each group). They completed the demographic questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. Thereafter, four sessions of group training were conducted for women in the intervention group; these women were followed up for 1 month after the last training session. Data were analyzed using the SPSS ver. 16 software, and descriptive statistics and ANCOVA/ANOVA test were used for data analysis. @*Results@#We found that the two groups were homogenous in most of the demographic variables and the data were normal. The total mean score of sexual function and standard deviation after the intervention was 23.70 ± 3.67 in the intervention group and 19.94 ± 3.64 in the control group, indicating that these scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#Based on the results, group training is recommended to reduce sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women at health centers

Effect of Combined Herbal Capsule Menohelp on Hot Flashes and Night Sweats in Postmenopausal Women: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives@#Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common and annoying consequences of menopause. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined herbal capsule (black cohosh, soy, potato, chaste tree, and burdock) on hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. @*Methods@#The present study was a randomized clinical trial conducted on postmenopausal women who were referred to Hamadan health centers in 2018–2019. The patients were distributed randomly in two groups of 85 individuals using the permuted block technique. The intervention group received the Menohelp capsule 550 mg twice daily for eight weeks and those in the control group received placebo. Data was obtained using a demographic questionnaire and a night sweat checklist one week before and eight weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was done using Stata 13. @*Results@#Data analysis revealed that means of hot flashes duration, frequency and intensity did not significantly decrease in the postintervention phase as compared to the pre-intervention phase in both the groups (P > 0.05). Comparative analyses of frequency and intensity of night sweats in the two groups revealed that both variables decreased after intervention with the Menohelp capsule (P< 0.05). @*Conclusions@#This study revealed that combined herbal medicine (Menohelp) was effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of night sweats. Therefore, it can be used to reduce night sweats in postmenopausal women.

Investigating the Effect of Teaching Problem Solving in Groups on the Procrastination of Students

The present study aims to investigate the effect of teaching Problem Solving in groups on the procrastination of male high school students in the city Larestan. This experimental research has used pretest-posttest with a one-month follow-up and there has been a control group involved. The statistical population of this study includes all of the male high school freshmen of the city Lar. In total, a number of 455 male students filled out the procrastination questionnaire. Among the respondents, 30 students with the highest procrastination score were selected as the samples of this study. The experimental group participated in 8 90-minute sessions and they were taught how to solve problems. On the other hand, the control group was not taught anything in this regard. At the end of all of the eight sessions the pretest was performed. Then, after a month, the questionnaires were distributed among the selected students for a follow up. The statistical data was analyzed using descriptive statistic, analysis of covariance and a second measurement. The results showed that there is a significant difference between the procrastination scores in the posttest after eliminating the effect of the pretest. It can be concluded that teaching both time management and problem solving to students significantly affects their procrastination

La amplia distribución de un microorganismo termoacidófilo en el mineral de una mina cuprífera a temperatura ambiente y en condición ácida, y su importancia en la biolixiviación del concentrado de calcopirita / The wide distribution of an extremely thermoacidophilic microorganism in the copper mine at ambient temperature and under acidic condition and its significance in bioleaching of a chalcopyrite concentrate

Thermoacidophiles can exist in a state of dormancy both in moderate temperatures and even in cold conditions in heap leaching. Sulphide mineral ores such as chalcopyrite produce sulfuric acid when exposed to the air and water. The produced sulfuric acid leads to the decrease of pH and exothermic reactions in heap leaching causing the temperature to increase up to 55 °C and the activation of thermoacidophilic microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to isolate indigenous extreme thermoacidophilic microorganisms at ambient temperature from Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex, to adapt them to the high pulp density of a chalcopyrite concentrate, and to determine their efficiency in chalcopyrite bioleaching in order to recover copper. In this study samples were collected at ambient temperature from Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex in Iran. Mixed samples were inoculated into the culture medium for enrichment of the microorganisms. Pure cultures from these enrichments were obtained by subculture of liquid culture to solid media. Morphological observation was performed under the scanning electron microscope. Isolates were adapted to 30% (w/v) pulp density. For the bioleaching test, the experiments were designed with DX7 software. Bioleaching experiments were carried out in Erlenmeyer flasks and a stirred tank reactor. The highest copper recovery in Erlenmeyer flasks was 39.46% with pulp 15%, inoculums 20%, size particle 90 pm and 160 rpm. The lowest recovery was 3.81% with pulp 20%, inoculums 20%, size particle 40 pm and 140 rpm after 28 days. In the reactor, copper recovery was 32.38%. Bioleaching residues were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The results showed no jarosite (KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6) had formed in the bioleaching experiments. It seems that the antagonistic reactions among various species and a great number of planktonic cells in Erlenmeyer flasks and the stirred tank reactor are the reasons for the low recovery of copper in our study.

Los microorganismos termoacidófilos pueden estar en estado latente tanto a temperatura moderada como baja, en lixiviación en pilas. Los minerales sulfurosos, como la calcopirita, producen ácido sulfúrico cuando se exponen al aire y al agua. El ácido sulfúrico producido conduce a la disminución del pH y a reacciones exotérmicas durante la lixiviación en pilas, lo que hace que la temperatura aumente hasta 55 °C y se activen los microorganismos termoacidófilos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue aislar del complejo de cobre Sarchesh-meh (Irán) microorganismos termoacidófilos extremos que proliferan a temperatura ambiente e investigar su adaptación a la alta densidad de pulpa del concentrado de calcopirita, así como su eficiencia para biolixiviarese mineral, con el objeto de recuperar el cobre. Se recogieron muestras a temperatura ambiente del citado complejo, y luego muestras mixtas se inocularon en un medio de cultivo de enriquecimiento. A partir de estos enriquecimientos, mediante el subcultivo del cultivo líquido a medio sólido, se obtuvieron cultivos puros. La observación morfológica se realizó bajo microscopio electrónico de barrido. Los aislados estaban adaptados al 30% p/v de densidad de pulpa. Para la prueba de biolixiviación, los experimentos fueron diseñados con el software DX7. Los experimentos de biolixiviación se llevaron a cabo en Erlenmeyers y en un reactor tanque con agitación. La mayor recuperación de cobre en los Erlenmeyers fue del 39,46% y se obtuvo con la pulpa al 15%, un inóculo del 20%, un tamaño de partícula de 90 µm y una agitación de 160 rpm. La menor recuperación fue del 3,81% y se obtuvo con la pulpa al 20%, un inóculo del 20%, un tamaño de partícula de 40 µm y una agitación de 140 rpm, después 28 días. En el reactor, la recuperación del cobre fue del 32,38%. El análisis de difracción de rayos X (XRD) no mostró que se formara jarosita (KFe3-#91;SO4-#93;2-#91;OH-#93;6) en los experimentos de biolixiviación. Dicha técnica sirve para determinar la estructura cristalina de una sustancia desconocida. Al parecer, las reacciones antagónicas entre las diversas especies y el mayor número de células planctónicas en los Erlenmeyers y en el reactor fueron las causas de la baja recuperación de cobre observada en este estudio.

Design and development of modified mRNA encoding core antigen of hepatitis C virus: a possible application in vaccine production

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus [HCV] is a ?blood-borne pathogen, resulting in liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Despite of many efforts in development of treatments for HCV, no vaccine has been licensed yet. The purpose of this study was ?to design and prepare a specific mRNA, without 5' cap and poly [A] tail transcribed in vitro capable of coding core protein and also to determine its functionality

Methods: Candidate mRNA was prepared by in vitro transcription of the designed construct consisting of ??5' and 3' untranslated regions of heat shock proteins 70 [hsp70] mRNA, T7 promoter, internal ribosome entry site [IRES] sequences of eIF4G related to human dendritic cells [DCs], and the ?Core gene of HCV. To design the modified mRNA, the ??5' cap and poly [A] tail structures were not considered. DCs were transfected by in vitro-transcribed messenger RNA [IVT-mRNA] and the expressions of green fluorescent protein [GFP], and Coregenes were determined by microscopic examination and Western blotting assay

Results: Cell transfection results showed that despite the absence of ??5' cap and poly [A] tail, the structure of the mRNA ?was stable. Moreover, the successful expressions of GFP and Coregenes were achieved

Conclusion: Our findings indicated the effectiveness of a designed IVT-mRNA harboring the Core gene of HCV in transfecting and expressing the antigens in DCs. Considering the simple and efficient protocol for the preparation of this IVT-mRNA and its effectiveness in expressing the gene that it carries, this IVT-mRNA could be suitable for development of an RNA vaccine against HCV