Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences
Year:2022 | Volume:9 | Issue:2|Papers Count:10

Female fertility may be affected by vaginal, endometrial, tubal, or ovarian factors. Ozone therapy is emerging as a potential therapeutic adjunct to improve reproductive health of women. Ozone may achieve this by decreasing reactive oxygen species, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α, ) while increasing glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and antibacterial activity with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (1). In the literature, most of the data on the potential role of ozone in female reproduction belongs to the veterinary medicine or experimental animal studies and very few of the researches has been conducted on humans. On infertile women with inflammatory etiology, ozone therapy had a potential to improve fertility by treating genital inflammatory diseases (1). Preventive intrauterine application of ozone (especially in the foaming spray form) during the early puerperal period has been associated with better reproductive potential in dairy cows with a possible mechanism of diminished inflammation leading to a healthier endometrial environment (2). In a human study, ozone therapy has been suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for women with tubal infertility (3). It was shown to be beneficial in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease by alleviating the inflammatory reactions and inhibiting endometrial epithelial cell necrosis in female rats (4). Ozone was found to be very useful in the treatment of ischemia/reperfusion related injury in the ovarian tissue and therefore, it might offer an ovary-sparing approach to ovarian torsion (5). In an experimental rat model, postoperative uterine adhesions could be attenuated with altered oxidative state and modulated TNF-α,levels by ozone therapy (6). The observations by De Simone et al showed that the oxygenozone therapy may be used as an adjuvant to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (7). As a result, ozone therapy might decrease vaginitis and pelvic adhesions, protect ovarian and endometrial tissues, and shorten time to conception, all of which may lead to improvement in female reproduction. Future prospective human studies are warranted to be performed to elucidate its potential role as an adjunct therapy on every aspect of human reproduction and especially for women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, poor response to IVF, thin endometrial lining, and poor ovarian reserve.

Objectives: 35%-50% of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffer from anorexia, reducing the quality of life and increasing morbidity and mortality. Its causes and definitive treatment are not fully known. In this study, Avicenna’, s management in his medical book “, Canon of Medicine”,was presented to help solve this problem. Materials and Methods: “, Loss of appetite”,and its MeSH heading term “, anorexia, ”,also “, chronic kidney disease, ”,were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and UpToDate databases. In Iranian traditional medicine, loss of appetite by “, Noghsan-e-shahvat-e-taam”, , renal weakness by “, Zafe-e-kolye”, , and ascites by “, Estesgha”,were searched in “, Canon of Medicine”, . Results: According to Avicenna and modern medicine, kidneys play an essential role in normal appetite, and both suggest treatment based on the stage of the disease. Avicenna has described the treatment in 4 principles: lifestyle modification, elimination of waste products accumulated in the body, non-oral therapies, and herbal medicine. He processed food in the diets, which reduces their side effects and improves their digestion, and in the studies conducted, it was in line with the nutritional recommendations of modern medicine. Conclusions: Given the importance of anorexia and no known causes and treatment, Avicenna’, s perspective can help solve this problem. He has provided various natural, inexpensive, and accessible solutions that can be the basis for future clinical trials.

Objectives: Physical activity and nutrition can affect some serum markers associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to ascertain the prevalence and predictors of MetS among middle-aged women in this study. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 164 eligible middle-aged women. Sampling was performed by two-stage cluster random sampling among all the health care centers in Kamyaran, Iran. Data were collected through anthropometrics, Food Records, and International Physical Activity Questionnaires. Serum lipid profile and glycemic control indexes, calcium, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 were assayed. Blood pressure was measured. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria were used to detection of MetS. Results: Forty-one women (25. 0%,95% CI: 18. 4% to 31. 6%) had MetS. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0. 020,95% CI: 1. 001 to 1. 039), triglyceride (aOR: 1. 024,95% CI: 1. 015-1. 033), low physical activity: walking (aOR: 0. 999,95% CI: 0. 998 0. 999), dietary iron (aOR: 1. 059,95% CI: 0. 989-1. 134) and waist circumference (aOR: 1. 062: 95% CI,1. 020 1. 105) have been detected as the MetS predictors in this study. Conclusions: Higher serum levels of FBS and triglyceride, higher iron intake and waist circumference, and low physical activity enhanced the chance of getting MetS.

Objectives: Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease of zoonoses and the best treatment for this parasitic disease is cryosurgery. From time immemorial, many protoscolice-destroying chemicals have been used to inhibit the distribution of protoscolices within the cyst during surgery. However, the side effects of chemical compounds and medicinal plants should always be considered. Due to the antiparasitic properties of Bunium persicum (Boiss), this study was performed to evaluate and compare the effects of B. persicum (Boiss) essential oil and albendazole on protoscolices inside hydatid cyst in vitro. Materials and Methods: In this study, the essential oil used from the desired plant seeds was prepared. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed to determine its components. Hydatid cyst protoscolices were extracted from hydatid cyst-infected livers and exposed to B. persicum (Boiss) (2. 5, 5, and 10 μ, g/mL) for 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes, respectively. The viability of protoscolices was measured by the effect of plant essential oil by eosin staining. Albendazole was also used as an effective antiparasitic drug in this study. Results: The amount of essential oil protoscolices at 2. 5 μ, g/mL in 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes was 48. 5%, 68. 2%, 79. 5%, and 96. 1%, respectively. The antiparasitic drug albendazole showed less toxic effects at similar doses at the same intervals, but both treatment groups had a significant effect (P<0. 001). The highest toxic effects of essential oil were observed at a concentration of 10 μ, g/mL 30 minutes after treatment. For albendazole, this effect was achieved at a dose of 10 μ, g/mL after 2 hours. Conclusions: The results and statistical data of this study showed that the essential oil of B. persicum (Boiss) in comparison with the antiparasitic drug albendazole has an acceptable scolicide effects in hydatidosis and can be used as an alternative to scolicide compound.

Objectives: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction and marital dissatisfaction is higher in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus than in the general population. However, the correlation between sexual dysfunction and marital dissatisfaction in diabetic women is debated. The present study investigated the correlation between sexual dysfunction and sexual dissatisfaction in diabetic women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 126 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, referring to Sanandaj Diabetes Center, Sanandaj, Iran, were compared to 126 randomly selected non-diabetic women referring to Health Centers of Sanandaj, Iran. Women’, s sexual function was appraised through the female sexual function index (FSFI), and their marital satisfaction was compared using ENRICH (Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication and Happiness) Marital Satisfaction Scale. Results: There was a positive significant relationship between sexual function and marital satisfaction (P < 0. 01, r = 0. 675) in diabetic women. In other words, marital satisfaction improved sexual function increases. Conclusions: Marital satisfaction in diabetic women with sexual dysfunction is more unfavorable than in healthy women. Therefore, maximum attention should be paid to the role of sexual dysfunction in the marital relationship of people with diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases. Physiologically, the closure of the ductus arteriosus occurs within 48-72 hours after birth in healthy term neonates. This study aimed to compare oral paracetamol and oral ibuprofen in the closure of PDA in preterm neonates. Materials and Methods: This study is a single-blind randomized clinical trial. A total of 90 preterm neonates with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks were divided into two groups of oral ibuprofen and oral paracetamol. Oral ibuprofen was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg on the first day and 5 mg/kg on the second and the third days. Oral paracetamol was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 6 hours for 3 consecutive days. The primary outcome measure was the closure of the ductus arteriosus. The secondary outcome measure was the assessment of any type of complications following the administration of oral paracetamol. Results: The DA closure rate was 82. 2% in the oral paracetamol group and it was 91. 41% in the oral ibuprofen group P<0. 65, (odds ratio [OR] = 2. 22, 95% CI = 0. 62-7. 97). We did not see any unwanted complication during treatment with oral paracetamol. Conclusions: The present study showed that oral paracetamol is effective in the closure of PDA. On the other hand, it does not cause any unwanted side effects on the patient.

Objectives: Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valvular disease diagnosed in nearly 3% of adults who are older than 65 years. Echocardiography is the main modality for the diagnosis of an AS. The left atrial (LA) strain can help in a better evaluation of heart failure and predict left-side pressures. Considering that a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is an important factor for cardiologists regarding better selection of surgery treatment in these patients, the evaluation of the LA strain and LVEF, as well as their association can help physicians in a better evaluation of borderline patients who are asymptomatic with borderline LVEF. Materials and Methods: Atrial mechanics were prospectively evaluated in 43 consecutive patients with severe AS referring to Shahid Rajaee Heart Center (Tehran, Iran), echocardiography laboratory for their regular valve disease follow-ups from July 2018 to February 2019. The LA strain, the LVEF, and their association were analyzed by a 3D heart model. Results: The mean age of patients was 56. 6±, 18. 9 years. The LA strain did not have any association with age (P = 0. 09). In addition, no association was found among LA strains, hypertension, and smoking in patients with severe AS (P > 0. 05). Finally, the results showed that an LA strain had a significant association with a 3D method of LVEF (P = 0. 02). Conclusions: In general, an LA longitudinal strain has a significant association with a 3D LVEF in patients with severe AS and can help physicians better evaluate patients with severe AS.

Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the screening markers of spontaneous and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies in individuals who underwent combined screening in the first trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined the difference between natural and assisted-reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies in 2252 mothers from January 2011 to October 2019. In both groups, the first trimester screening parameters including NT, free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β,-hCG), and PAPP-A were measured. Results: According to the results of the present study, BMI was higher in the group that became pregnant by IVF compared to the normal pregnancy group (P < 0. 001). Additionally, in patients using IVF, the history of maternal disease was less frequent compared to the other group (P = 0. 003). Most cases of twin fetuses, dichorionic twin pregnancy, and fetal abnormality were seen in the IVF group. Although the β,-hCG and free PAPP-A levels were high in the IVF group, no significant difference was observed. The group with spontaneous pregnancy had a higher penetration rate of nuchal translucency <95th percentile compared to the IVF group (P < 0. 001). The results of comparing the first trimester test showed that in the IVF group, 81. 3% of patients were at low risk and 6. 6% were at high risk, while in the normal pregnancy group, 78. 9% of patients were at low risk and 7. 0% of them were at low risk, indicating that the difference was not significant. Conclusions: Overall, although the risk of aneuploidy in IVF pregnancies was not higher compared to normal pregnancies, in IVF pregnancies, NI is associated with a high risk of fetal abnormalities. Therefore, NT sonography can help to diagnose fetal anomalies especially aneuploidy.

Objectives: Acroptilon repens (L. ) DC is an Asian native plant belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has been cultivated the United States and Canada in recent years. This study investigated the effects of antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and cytotoxicity of A. repens ethanolic extract and its components. Materials and Methods: We used disk diffusion and well diffusion strategies to screen antimicrobial activity of A. repens against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of extract and fractions were determined by the small dilution broth methodology for S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The impact of extract and fractions on biofilm formation was evaluated by microtiter plate assay The MTT assay determined the toxicity effect of samples on Vero cells. The results are expressed because of the viability. Results: Results showed that A. repens extract and fragments inhibit the growth of gram-positive bacteria. The ethanolic extract and its fractions showed stronger inhibition zones for S. aureus and S. epidermidis. According to the antibiofilm test, the ethanolic extract and water fraction of A. repens have the highest antibiofilm effect on S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The value of LC50 (50% mortality) in MTT assay results was 30, 60, 30, and 2/5 mg/mL for ethanolic extract, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water fractions of A. repens, respectively. Conclusions: Extract of A. repens and its fractions have an antibacterial and antibiofilm effect on S. aureus and S. epidermidis without significant cytotoxic effect.

Objectives: Women’, s experience during childbirth can affect various aspects (psychological and physical), which has not yet been done accurately. The current study aimed to compare experiences of parturient women with remifentanil analgesia and elective cesarean section (C-section) and provide improver strategies for women living in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: This is a mixed-method study with an explanatory sequential approach. The first stage is quantitative and longitudinal. Participants will be divided into two groups of elective C-sections and parturient women who receive remifentanil. They will be matched concerning social class, type of provider, and birth rank. In the first stage, data will be collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Edinburgh’, s Depression during pregnancy questionnaire, Labor Agentry Scale, and midwifery-neonatal outcomes checklist within 24 hours after delivery. Participants will be followed up to 30 days after delivery to complete the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression questionnaire. The second stage is a qualitative study to explain the perceptions of parturient women who had either elective C-section or painless delivery (using remifentanil), including factors related to labor experiences. In the third stage, a mixed study will be performed to provide strategies for improving labor experiences. Discussion: Women’, s experiences during cesarean section can have different effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes,Following the use of two methods of continuous analgesia with remifentanil and spinal anesthesia and analgesia caused by these methods in cesarean section, women’, s experiences may be different,The protocol presented in this study is a clinical guide to present this important issue (experiences of women during cesarean section looking for an appropriate method of analgesia).