Relationship between postpartum depression and plasma vasopressin level at 6-8 weeks postpartum: a cross-sectional study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most important postpartum mood disorder due to its significant effect on both the infant and family health. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has been suggested as a hormonal agent involved in the development of depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the plasma concentrations of AVP and the score of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016-2017 in Darehshahr Township, Ilam Province, Iran. In the first phase, 303 pregnant women, who were at 38 weeks, met the inclusion criteria, and were not depressed (according to their EPDS scores) were included in the study. In the 6-8 week postpartum follow-up, using the EPDS, 31 depressed individuals were diagnosed and referred to a psychiatrist for confirmation. The maternal venous blood samples of 24 depressed individuals still meeting the inclusion criteria and 66 randomly selected non-depressed subjects were obtained to measure their AVP plasma concentrations with ELISA assay. There was a significant positive relationship between plasma AVP levels and the EPDS score (P = 0.000, r = 0.658). Also the mean plasma concentration of AVP was significantly higher in the depressed group (41.35 ± 13.75 ng/ml) than in the non-depressed group (26.01 ± 7.83 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model for various parameters, increased vasopressin levels were associated with increased odds of PPD (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.07-1.24, P = 0.000). Furthermore, multiparity (OR = 5.45, 95% CI = 1.21-24.43, P = 0.027) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 13.06, 95% CI = 1.36-125, P = 0.026) were associated with increased odds of PPD. Maternal gender preference (having a baby of desired and desired sex) decreased the odds of PPD (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02-0.79, P = 0.027 and OR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.01-0.5, P = 0.007). AVP seems to be a contributor to clinical PPD by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Furthermore, primiparous women had significantly lower EPDS scores.

New data on cave spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Iran, with new species and records.

New data on Iranian spiders is provided based on 92 specimens collected from the interiors or surroundings of 27 caves. These specimens belong to 17 species in nine families, of which five species are described as new to science: Tegenaria pallens Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Gakal Cave, Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad Province) (Agelenidae); Dysdera elamana Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Barreh Zard Cave, Ilam Province); and Harpactea zagros Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Raad-e Gharbi Cave, Ilam Province) (both Dysderidae); Troglohyphantes megagynus Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Kabootarlan Cave, Ilam Province) (Linyphiidae); and Mesiotelus iranicus Zamani & Marusik, sp. n. (; Mir Melas Cave, Lorestan Province) (Liocranidae). Additionally, two genera, Scotargus Simon, 1913 and Odontodrassus Jzquel, 1965, and three species, Odontodrassus mundulus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) and Synaphosus syntheticus (Chamberlin, 1924) (both Gnaphosidae), and Scotargus pilosus Simon, 1913 (Linyphiidae), are recorded in Iran for the first time. The newly described and recorded species are accompanied by illustrations.

Effects of very rapid versus vapor phase freezing on human sperm parameters.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two freezing methods, vapor phase and very rapid freezing, with and without cryoprotectant on semen parameters in men with normal semen criteria. Cryopreservation was done on semen samples from 31 men by two methods of vapor phase freezing and very rapid freezing, with and without Test Yolk buffered glycerol (TYBG) as cryoprotectant. The motility, viability, acrosome and DNA integrity were evaluated on fresh and post-thaw samples. Post-thaw sperm progressive motility was significantly higher in the presence of TYBG in the vapor phase cryopreservation (%6.30 ± 3.74) compared with the very rapid freezing method (%2.2 ± 1.97 and %4.00 ± 2.42 in the presence and absence of TYBG, respectively). There was no significant difference in viability, acrosome status and DNA integrity between two methods in presence or absence of TYBG. The very rapid freezing method in the absence of TYBG showed better sperm motility but viability, acrosome and DNA integrity were similar to the presence of TYBG. The results show that cryopreservation of human spermatozoa together with seminal plasma by using vapor phase method is better than very rapid freezing method to preserve sperm progressive motility; however very rapid freezing method is quick and simple and do not require special cryoprotectant. It can be used for cryopreservation of small number of spermatozoa in IVF centers.