[Protective role of glutathione in buck semen cryopreservation]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low levels of glutathione on post-thawed buck sperm quality. In this experiment, different concentrations of glutathione [0 [LG-0], 0.5 [LG-0.5], 1 [LG-1], 1.5 [LG-1.5], and 2 [LG-2] mM] were added in a soybean lecithin-based extender. A total of 16 ejaculates from four bucks were collected and pooled. Each pooled sample was divided into five equal parts and each part was diluted by one of the above mentioned groups. After freeze-thawing process, motility and velocity, plasma membrane integrity and functionality, and apoptosis features of spermatozoa were evaluated. The results of this experiment showed that total motility [50.75 +/- 2.33], plasma membrane integrity [55.75 +/- 3.01] and functionality [46.75 +/- 2.79] were higher in LG-1 extender compared to other extenders [P<0.05]. The percentage of live spermatozoa [53.23 +/- 3.26] was higher in LG-1 extender compared to other extenders, with the exception of LG-1.5 extender [P<0.05]. Also, the percentage of late apoptotic spermatozoa [21.33 +/- 1.63] was lower in LG-1 extender compared to other extenders [P<0.05]. In conclusion, our results showed that GL-1 extender resulted in higher post-thawed buck sperm quality compared to other extenders.

[Factors affecting the rate of cesarean section in Zanjan maternity hospitals in 2008]

Caesarean sections are the most common surgery in obstetrics and gynecology. However, like any other surgical procedures, they have some disadvantages. Nowadays, unfortunately, Caesarean sections are not carried out necessarily to save the mother and/or the baby, and due to excessive applications they have become a problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the related causes of Cesarean delivery in Zanjan. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 697 mothers were selected through random sampling. A questionnaire was completed by each participant and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, including chi-square test, Fisher exact, ANOVA, and multivariate logistic analysis. According to our analysis, the recent rate of the Cesarean in Zanjan was about 43%, out of which 43% were elective. The majority of the cases [57.8%], were repeated Cesarean sections and most mothers chose Cesarean because of either fear of pain or for termination of the pregnancy [43.3%]. In the present study, the Cesarean section rate correlated significantly with the level of education in mothers [P<0.0001] and family financial status [P=0.01]. According to our analysis, promoting public awareness and also efforts towards applying Cesarean sections in only necessary cases could reduce the rate of cesarean in general

Evaluation of anterior pituitary function following traumatic brain injury

Neuroendocrine dysfunction following traumatic brain injury [TBI] is frequently missed due to the absence of major symptoms and very often, no appropriate management is prescribed, thus delaying the patient recovery. This study is aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of anterior pituitary dysfunction following TBI. From June to December 2009, over a period of seven months, a total of 156 cases were admitted to a trauma center following TBI. Of the seventy patients, [61 males and 9 females mean age 30 years] included in the study, 39 patients had moderate [GCS; 9 - 12] and 31 cases had severe [GCS < 8] TBI. Patients were tested 6 months after injury for possible secretory abnormalities of anterior pituitary hormones. Anterior pituitary secretary function was assessed by measurement of serum levels of FT4, TSH, basal GH, IGF-1, 8 am Cortisol, FSH, LH, total testosterone and prolactin. Dynamic tests of ACTH and glucagon stimulation were used to evaluate the pituitary-adrenal axis and GH secretory status. Forty-one patients [58.6%] were found to be suffering from at least one hormonal secretory abnormality, with patterns and frequencies of: Gonadotropins [LH, FSH], 12.9%, corticotrophin [ACTH], 12.9%, somatotropin [GH], 4.3%, and prolactin [PRL], 1.4%. There was no case with thyrotropin deficiency. Hyperprolactinemia was found to be present in 23 cases [31.5%]. The results of this study showed that anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies occur frequently, 6 months following traumatic brain injury. The two most commonly involved axes were the pituitary-gonadal and the pituitary-adrenal. Hypocortisolism may be particularly harmful for the patients' health

[ effect of laminin and gelatin extracellular matrix on short-term cultivation of neonate mouse spermatogonial stem cells]

To compare the effect of laminin and gelatin on short-term culture of spermatogonial stem cells [SSCs] from neonatal mouse testes. Cell suspension containing SSCs were isolated from testes of 6 day-old mice and cultured in the presence of Glial-derived neuroterophic factor [GDNF], Epidermal Growth Factor [EGF] and Basic Fibroblastic Growth Factor [bFGF] on laminin-and gelatin-coated plates for 9 days. Number and area of colonies were measured in 5th, 7th and 9th days after culturing. At 9th day Immunostaining was used to detect expression of SSC markers, alpha 6-Integrin and beta 1-Integrin. moreover, the colonies were harvested and the percentage of alpha 6-Integrin and beta 1-Integrin positive cells was assessed by flowcytometery in both groups. Immunostaining analysis showed that our culture system contained SSC colonies as they were positive for alpha 6-Integrin and beta 1-Integrin. Additionally, the number of colonies those were formed on laminin were significantly higher in comparison with those of other group. but colony area was higher on gelatin. There was no significant difference in percentage of cells that expressed alpha 6-Integrin, beta 1-Integrin detected by flowcytometry in both groups. laminin as extracellular matrix cause to increase the number of neonate spermatogonial colonies and decrease the area of them [P

effect of vitamin C in prevention of pre-eclampsia in nullipar women

Pre-eclampsia, a kind of hypertension in pregnancy, is a frequent complication in pregnant women. Overall incidence of pre-eclampsia is 2-7 percent that reaches to 6-7 percent in nullipar women. Regarding decreased activity of antioxidant substances, we evaluated the effect of vitamin C [an antioxidant] on nullipar women to prevent occurrence of pre-eclampsia. In this experimental study, 200 nullipar women were assigned into 2 groups randomly. The first group received vitamin C, 1000 mg daily, within 12 to 22 weeks and continued until the end of pregnancy. The second group was considered as the control group and didn't receive the medication. Body mass index [BMI], pre-eclampsia incidence, SGA, preterm labor and low birth weight of newborns were compared between two groups. Majority of pre-eclampsia women were in age group 21-25 years with BMI of 25-30 kg/m[2]. Among vitamin C group, the frequency of preeclampsia, preterm labor and SGA was 6%, 3% and 4%, respectively, while it was 6%, 7% and 7% in control groups. This study revealed no significant correlation between taking vitamin C and pre-eclampsia, LBW, preterm [premature] delivery and SGA

[Relationship between adolescents' nutritional and physical activity behaviors with their perceptions about parents' lifestyle behaviors]

Obesity is increasing dramatically world-wide not only in adults, but also in children and adolescents. Nutritional and physical activity behaviors are related to the prevalence of obesity. Determining adolescents' behavioral patterns is important in preventing and adjusting this healthy problem. This study was carried out to assess lifestyle behaviors among girl adolescents and to determine the association between these behaviors and perceived parental lifestyle behaviors. In this cross-sectional study, 270 students were selected using multistage random sampling from girls' schools in the areas covered by Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical tests were used to analyze the data. Results showed that the mean age was 13.3 [10.7-16] years. Most of the adolescents' had normal limits of BMI. Only 9.2% of adolescents had optimal dietary behavior and 4.3% were physically active. There was not significant relationship between their nutritional behavior and their perceptions about parents' lifestyle. BMI and parents economic status was related to nutritional behaviors significantly. Physical activity was statistically related to BMI and mothers' education. This study showed that the adolescents' nutritional and physical activity behaviors were not healthy. Some factors are related to the adolescents' healthy behavior. Teaching healthy behaviors and defining healthy behavioral patterns for adolescent are necessary

[Frequency and severity of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and efficacy of mental health intervention in children and young adults from a rural region in Chaharmahal and Bakhtyari Province, Safilan]

Disasters cause disability, economic burden and death, annually. The casualties following the catastrophes such as earthquake, hurricane, and etc. leads to stress, anxiety, depression, and somatizaten. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] is one of these complications occurred after the unpleasant events. One of these events was happened in a rural region in Chaharmahal and Bakhtyari province, Safilan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the frequency of post disaster psychologic complication in the children of the area and the effect of mental health intervention on them. This is a quasi-experimental study in which all children aged 5-15 years from this region who experienced this event were interviewed. The face to face interview was performed with the parents of the children and the Yoll questionnaire was filled immediately after the event. Subsequently, the psychologic interventions including psychological re-explanation, recognition of social thinking and treatment mechanisms were used for two weeks through 4 seasons. Repeatedly, five months after the event, the same procedures were performed. Results were analyzed with paired t-test, independent t-test and ANOVA. In the first round of measurement, the mean score of PTSD was 61.14 +/- 15.03, and in the 2nd time it was 48.19 +/- 9.6 [p<0.001]. This score in the age groups of 5-10 and 10-15 years was 54.26 +/- 13.8 and 65.5 +/- 14.3, respectively before the intervention [p<0.05] and was 43 +/- 5.7 and 51 +/- 10.28, respectively after that [p<0.01]. This difference was not sex dependent. Analysis of variance showed that with increasing education, score of PTSD significantly was increased and using Tukey test, it was shown that the difference was significant between the two level of education [p<0.01]. The results of this study showed the effect of hygienic interventions and educations in the problem faced. Therefore, use of preventive mechanisms in all 3 preventive levels is essential in the case of this event

[Frequency of vision impairment and its etiology in students]

Vision impairment is an important issue in pediatric ophthalmology. Reports indicate a decrease in educational quality in students with impaired vision especially in primary school age. This study evaluates the prevalence of vision impainnent in primary schools of Mashhad in 1383-1384 educational years. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 2130, 7 to 11 year old students [1047 boys, 1083 girls] were examined. Sample size included 2 primary schools [one from each gender] from one of the 7 educational sections of Mashhad city. 150 cases were chosen from each school bearing equal proportions from all primary levels. Visual acuity was measured using Snellen chart regarding 6 meters distance. Students with visual acuity less than 811 0, which was uncorrectable with glasses, were referred to Mashhad Khatam-AI-Anbiya Hospital. In this study 5.2% of cases had different visual impairment in one or both eyes. More than half [3.1%] were referred to Mashhad Khatam-AI-Anbiya Hospital. Prevalence of amblyopia in one or both eyes was 0.8% and 3.4% of students had refractive error. Strabismus was seen in 0.3% and 0.2% were malingering. This study demonstrates the sufficiency of national program for pre school visual evaluation, especially when compared with similar previous reports

[Comparing helicobacter pylori infection between dentistry and pharmacy students in Tehran]

The route of person-to-person transmission of helicobacter pylori may be either fecal-oral or oral-oral, because the bacterium is found in both dental plaque and feces. We assessed the prevalence of H. pylori, which reflects present or past infection in dental students exposed occupationally to dental plaque. We examined the sera of 68 dental students and residents [24 residents and 44 students] and 69 age-matched controls by using quantitative ELISA for antibodies of lgG class to H. pylori. The proportion of dental group seropositive for H. pylori was [39 of 68] 57.4%, the proportion of control group seropositive for H. pylori was [40 of 69] 58%. There was no significant difference between groups. We conclude that dental practice in dental students does not increase the risk of H.pylori infection

[Demographic study on patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris and comparing results of various treatment protocols in such patients]

In conventional treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris use of adjuvant and initial dose of Corticosteroid affect the healing of lesions in patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical features of Pemphigus Vulgaris patients and to compare the criteria of response to treatment in various initial doses of Prednisolon and also to study the effect of Immuran as an adjuvant. In this retrospective study on Pemphigus Vulgaris patients admitted in Qaem hospital in Mashhad during the past 10 years, 63 patients were included and epidemiologic parameters, clinical features, treatment agents and criteria of response to their treatment [time of stopping the development of new lesions , time of onset of healing, time of tapering dose of steroids] were studied. The average dose of Steroid and Immuran was 1.15 +/- 0.47 mg/kg/day and 2.2 +/- 0.9 mg/kg/day, respectively. The average time of stopping the development of new lesions was 10.49 +/- 8.7 days, starting healing lesions, 10.75 +/- 7.86 days and tapering the dose of steroid was 3.75 +/- 2.35 days. Use of Immuran in treatment of patients had a statistical relation [p=0.048] with the time of tapering dose of Steroids, although it had no such relation with the first and the second criteria of healing [p=0.312 and p=0.1] respectively. On the other hand, initial dose of Immuran in mg/kg/day had no statistical relation with three criteria [P values were 0.328, 0.136, 0.467 respectively], whereas initial dose of Preadnisolon showed statistical relation with the onset time of healing [p=0.000] but not with time of tapering or stopping new lesions. [P>0.05] No relation between the time of tapering of Steroid and the other two objective criteria of response [the time of stopping new lesions and the onset time of healing], may be due to individual decision for tapering the dose of Steroid. And probably use of Immuran as an adjuvant, has related only with onset of Steroid tapering [but not two other objective criteria]

relationship between maternal count of the fetal movements and non-stress test in the evaluation of fetal well-being in high risk mothers

Background and purpose: Fetal movement count and non-stress test are simple and non-invasive techniques used as first steps in the assessment of the fetal well-being. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal count of fetal movements and non-stress test

Methods and materials: This descriptive correlational study was carried out at the Gynecology and Obstetrics ward of the Imamreza Hospital in Mashad, Iran. The sample included 410 non-stress test and fetal movement counts [205 tests from each group] from 101 high risk mothers in their third trimester. Mothers recorded the fetal movements 30 minutes after breakfast. Active fetus was supposed to have at least 10 movements in 12 hours; otherwise, it was assumed to be inactive. Non-stress test was done at 9:00 pm every night. Biophysical profile was taken whenever the fetus came out to be inactive or non-reactive by either test; then, the results of either test were compared with biophysical profile

Results: In 86.3% of the recordings, the fetuses were active. Nonstress tests were reactive in 78% and non-reactive in 19%. Reactive non-stress tests were observed in 88% of the active and 114.3% of the inactive fetuses. 85.7% of the inactive fetuses had non-reactive non-stress tests [p=0.0001]. A significant relationship was found to exist between the results of maternal count of fetal movements and non-stress test [p=0.0001]. Also, a significant relationship existed between the time required to feel 10 movements and non-stress test [p=0.0005]. The sensitivity, specificity and the negative predictive value of the test of fetal movements count were 15%, 85% and 93% respectively; corresponding figures for the non-stress test were 93%, 76% and 98% respectively

Conclusion: In many cases where maternal report was inactive fetus, the result of the non-stress test was reactive. However, the test of fetal movements count is of acceptable specificity and negative predictive value

Skull metastasis as the first presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Skull metastasis from Hepatocellular carcinoma, specially as the first presentation is very rare. We report a case with a history of head trauma in Bam earthquake and craniotomy due to lytic tumor of the skull, presented with upper gastrointestinal symptoms which Hepatocellular carcinoma with skull metastasis was revealed .the patient was infected with hepatitis B virus without cirrhosis

Evaluation of Extract of Ginkgo Biloba [EGB] and its effect on memory of healthy volunteer students in Mashad university

Memory is an essential factor for any activity in humans. We cannot do any simple tasks without memory. So, scientists have done research on factors, which influence the memory and enforce it. The purpose of this study is evaluating the effect of Ginkgo biloba on the memory of healthy students who have volunteered in Mashad universities. The study consists of 141 healthy volunteered students [67 Female and 74 male] that primarily did not have any organic or non organic disease. The main inclusion criteria for being admitted in the study were getting a score below the cut of point in the G.H.Q., BDI and scl 90 of the screening tests. After that the students were divided into two groups randomly and the W.M.S.R test was done on them before and after prescribing Ginkgo to one group and placebo to the other one. The Ginkgo can increase all subtests of WMS-R except INF and ORE subtest, MCO and vis. Extract of Ginkgo biloba can be a good and low risk alternative for increasing the memory of the youth and adults especially the ones with a memory failure background