Collaborative method consisting lecture, problem-based learning and weblog for clinical courses of medical students in comparison with lecture method.

BACKGROUND: Lecture is a common teaching method, which is not considered efficient for the development of critical and intellectual acquisition in the students of clinical courses. Although in theory combined methods are known acceptable, in practice, they are not commonly applicable. The present study aimed to compare the combination of problem-based learning (PBL), weblogs, and lectures with lecture alone to achieve an advantageous teaching method for clinical courses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 63 medical students (5th year) taking obstetrics and gynecology clinical courses at Sabzevar University of medical sciences, Iran. The participants were selected via census sampling. Based on the Student's number and using the random number table, the students were randomly assigned to two groups of interventions. The exclusion criteria were unwillingness to participate and absence for more than two sessions. Initially, the similarity of obstetrics and gynecology knowledge in both groups was confirmed based on a pretest (P > 0.05). A conventional lecture was performed for both groups. In the intervention group (B), the researcher asked each student (32 persons) to provide a case/problem from mentioned subjects outside the class concerning the given lecture and upload it to the lecturer's weblog to show commonalty. In the next session, the presented cases were initially discussed, and another lecture was carried out. Finally, two methods were compared through identical theoretical and practical exams and scored based on a Likert scale using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS 19 using t-test and Chi-square at the significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Group B achieved higher grades in the scientific exams (P < 0.001), especially in the domains of perception, learning and memorizing of subjects, motivation, and communication with the classmates and tutor (P = 010). Therefore, satisfaction was higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The training of pensive, creative, and active experts for the future of medicine requires the combination of new collaborative methods with lectures, which are undoubtedly effective learning techniques. According to the results, PBL and weblogs could be invaluable for the improvement of students' knowledge, as well as the relations between tutors and students.

Maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and cortisol level in cord blood.

Exposure to air pollution has been associated with disorders of the endocrine system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; however, the available evidence on these associations is still scarce. This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the association of exposure to PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, as well as traffic indicators (distance to major roads and total street length in different buffers around maternal residential address) during pregnancy with cortisol level in cord blood samples. This cross-sectional study was carried out based on 150 mother-newborn pairs in Sabzevar, Iran (2018). Land use regression models were applied to estimate air pollution exposure during the entire pregnancy at maternal residential addresses. Multiple linear regression models were applied to estimate the association of exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and cord blood cortisol levels, controlled for relevant covariates. There was a significant positive association between exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and cortisol levels in cord blood (ß = 2.55, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.57, 4.52, P-value = 0.01, and ß = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.28, 4.90, P-value < 0.01, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant positive association between total street length in a 100 m buffer around maternal residence and cortisol level. Each one interquartile range (IQR) increase in distance from home to major roads was associated with a -2.58 (95% CI: -4.85, -0.30, P-value = 0.03) decrease in cord blood cortisol level. The median (IQR) of the cord blood cortisol levels for the first and fourth quartiles of distance to major roads were 50.7 (19.5) and 38.2 (20.4) ng/mL, respectively. The associations for total street length in 300 m and 500 m buffers and PM1 exposure were not statistically significant. Our findings suggest a direct association of exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and cortisol levels at cord blood.

Cryotherapy as a Method for Relieving Symptoms of Cervical Ectopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Benign cervical ectopy (CE) may cause chronic or recurrent symptoms leading to women repeatedly being referred to gynecology clinics. We aimed to present a safe and effective method for relieving symptoms of CE. METHODS: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted among 164 women with CE who complained of persistent or recurrent symptoms of cervicitis in the last six months. Patient's demographic data, medical history, symptoms, and vaginal examination results were recorded. Normal co-test or Pap smear was required to enter the study. Participants were divided into two groups; the intervention group received cryotherapy and the control group underwent cryo-placebo (inserted the probe without true cryotherapy). The outcomes including improvement of symptoms and CE were monitored one, three, and six months later. RESULTS: The prevalence of symptoms in the two groups were not significantly different (p > 0.050). Symptom improvement was significantly higher with cryotherapy: vaginal discharge (p = 0.006), itching (p < 0.001), dyspareunia (p = 0.005), post-coital bleeding (p = 0.023), and pelvic pain (p = 0.009). If the symptoms did not disappear, their severity was lower after cryotherapy, comparatively (p < 0.050). Examination showed more improvement of CE following cryotherapy (p < 0.001). Cryotherapy showed no remarkable side effects and was associated with more satisfaction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cryotherapy is a safe, effective, fast-acting, and cost-benefit therapy that can be considered for the treatment of symptomatic CE.

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and newborn liver function.

Exposure to air pollution has been associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes. However, the available evidence on the impact of air pollution exposures on liver enzymes is still scarce. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between exposure to ambient PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 during pregnancy and serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in cord blood samples of newborns. Moreover, the association between total street length in different buffers and distance to major roads at the maternal residential address and liver enzymes were investigated. This cross-sectional study was based on data from a sample of 150 newborns, from Sabzevar, Iran. Land use regression models were used to estimate concentrations of air pollutants at home during pregnancy. Multiple linear regression was developed to estimate association of AST, ALT, ALP and GGT with air pollution controlled for relevant covariates. In fully adjusted models, increase in PM1 and PM2.5 as well as PM10 were associated with higher levels of AST, ALT and GGT. Moreover, there was a significant association between total street length in a 100 m buffer at residential address with AST, ALT and GGT. Each meter increase in distance to major roads was associated with -0.017 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.028, -0.006) decrease in AST. Overall, our findings were supportive for association between PMs exposure during pregnancy and increase in liver enzymes in newborns. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in other settings and populations.

Childbirth Fear and Associated Factors in a Sample of Pregnant Iranian Women.

OBJECTIVES: Fear of childbirth is common during pregnancy and may contribute to several adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate childbirth fear and associated factors in a sample of pregnant Iranian women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 525 pregnant women in Sabzevar, Iran from December 2016 to March 2017. The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaires (W-DEQ) was used to investigate fear of childbirth. RESULTS: The mean W-DEQ score was 67.6±23.5. Of 525 women, 19.6% and 6.1% experienced moderate (mean W-DEQ score ≥ 85) and severe (mean W-DEQ score ≥ 100) fear of childbirth, respectively. W-DEQ scores were not different in the categories of gestational age, parity, maternal age, educational level, body mass index, and employment status (p > 0.050). The mean score of childbirth fear was significantly higher in multiparas who preferred cesarean in comparison to those who preferred vaginal delivery (p < 0.032). The mean score of childbirth fear was significantly higher in nulliparas with a lower family income compared to those with a higher family income (p < 0.011). In nulliparas, predictors of moderate and severe childbirth fear were women's description of their present pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) = 2.600; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.323-5.112), and receiving a low level of emotional support from their husband (OR = 4.450; 95% CI: 1.349-14.674), respectively. In multiparas, predictors of childbirth fear were unwanted pregnancy (OR = 2.930; 95% CI: 1.549-3.541), experiencing moderate to severe dyspareunia in the first intercourse (OR = 2.829; 95% CI: 1.479-5.414), having a low level of physical activity (OR = 1.942; 95% CI: 1.014-3.716), and perceived a low level of health (OR = 3.415; 95% CI: 1.172-9.950). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a relatively high prevalence of childbirth fear in pregnant women in Iran. Interventions should be implemented in high-risk women considering psychological variables.

Congenital lymphangioma circumscriptum of vulva presenting as multiple giant mass lesions: a case report and literature review.

A G2L2 33-year-old woman presented to our clinic with large verrucous warty masses in labia major, perinea and the end portion of her spine measuring about 15 × 7, 9 × 7 and 8 × 8 cm, which had been enlarged following puberty and pregnancy. Her right upper and left lower limbs had gross congenital lymphedema. The masses were removed by superficial partial vulvectomy with a qualified margin and repaired without skin graft. Pathology report showed lymphangioma circumscriptum. Several months of follow up revealed normal healing and no recurrence. In conclusion, congenital vulvar lymphangioma, which is a rare disorder, can be highly triggered by hormonal-stimulating situations like puberty and pregnancy. Thus, it is better to visit the affected cases in a timely manner in order to excise these lesions before massive enlargement. In our experience, a superficial partial vulvectomy without skin graft can be a sufficient procedure. Obviously, an appropriate approach during and after surgery would be very important for obtaining a desirable healing.

Correction to: Metoclopramide role in preventing ileus after cesarean, a clinical trial.

The original publication of this paper contains an error.

Comparison of effacement curve with dilatation curve for prediction of labor progression.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of the effacement curve to predict fetal descent by comparing it to dilatation in order to improve the accuracy of the current partogram. METHOD: We conducted an observational study of women who were admitted for vaginal delivery at Mobini Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran in 2015. During labor, dilatation and effacement were plotted in different graphs and then their association with fetal descent was separately evaluated and compared. This assessment was performed in two groups: primipara and multipara. RESULTS: From 1750 individuals, 503 primiparous and 512 multiparous women were eligible for the study. An adjusted generalized estimating equations multivariable model showed both dilatation and effacement had a significant relationship with fetal descent either in primipara or multipara. In primipara, the prediction value of effacement equalled dilatation (ß,eff 0.29, P < 0.001; ß,dil 0.30, P < 0.001). In multipara, the prediction value of effacement was obviously higher than dilatation (ß,eff 0.45, P < 0.001; ß,dil 0.27, P < 0.001). The strength of effacement to predict labor in multipara was clearly greater than in primipara (ß,eff 0.45 and ß,eff 0.29, respectively). The strength of dilatation to predict labor in multipara was comparable to primipara (ß,dil 0.27 and ß,dil: 0.30, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the acceptable predictive value of effacement, we believe considering effacement, dilatation and station curves altogether can improve the power of the existing partogram for the assessment of labor progression and detection of failure to progress.

Misdiagnosis of a Giant Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Clinic and Image Challenges.

A 41-year-old woman (G3P2L2Ab1) was referred to gynecology clinic with chief complaints of abdominal distension and localized abdominal wall pruritus for three months. She was misdiagnosed with gastrointestinal disorder and ultimately had undergone imaging. Ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scan disclosed a huge solid-cystic mass originating from the ovary. On clinical examination the patient had no pain or tenderness and no gynecologic complaints. Laboratory tests showed normal tumor markers and hemoglobin at 8 g/dl. Laparotomy was carried out as diagnosis of ovarian serous cyst adenoma, but a huge tumor with attachment to uterus and ovaries and extension to pelvic floor, peripheral tissues of ureter, and upper abdomen was found. Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophorectomy was done. Pathology report demonstrated uterine leiomyosarcoma measuring 40 centimeters and weighing 10 kilograms. In conclusion, as pelvic masses even in a large size may present unspecific symptoms misdiagnosis may occur which lead to overgrowth, local invasion, or other complications. So, it is rather to suggest ultrasonography in patients with persistent abdominal or pelvic symptoms and if needed, more exact diagnostic modalities like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be offered to avoid misdiagnosis and mismanagement.

Maternal Side-Effects of Continuous vs. Intermittent Method of EntonoxDuring Labor: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Labor pain is one of the most tiresome types of pain. So human has been seeking to allay this pain until now. Administration of a suitable agent such as Entonox during labor is very beneficial for childbirth outcomes. Entonox can be administered in two ways: intermittently and continuously. The aim of this study is to demonstrate whether continuous method is as safe as intermittent method? This randomized clinical trial was performed in Mobini Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. One hundred admitted women for vaginal delivery were included in this study. Fitted patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. After thorough training, the patients used Entonox during active phase of labor. Fifty parturients used it intermittently and 50 others used it continuously. Then, maternal adverse effects, satisfaction and labor progression were registered and compared in two groups. Statistical Analysis was performed by spss17 software, t-test and chi square test. The maternal side effects of Entonox had no significant difference in two groups (p>0.05). Mothers' satisfaction rate in continuous group was more than the intermittent group significantly (p<0.001). Meantime of active phase of labor had no significant difference between two groups (p=0.2). It seems that by more investigations, there will be conditions for mothers to choose the desired method of Entonox usage, intermittently or continuously. This approach leads to reduction of difficult labor and cesarean section and consequently helps improvement of maternal health level, both physically and psychologically.

Metoclopramide role in preventing ileus after cesarean, a clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Ileus is a common event following cesarean section. Early post-cesarean recovery is very important not only for the mother but also for the baby who is dependent on breastfeeding. This article aims to demonstrate the efficacy of metoclopramide for the prevention of ileus after cesarean. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 696 women scheduled for cesarean were randomized in two groups. Three hundred fifty-three persons settled in control group and 343 were assigned in intervention group who received an injection of 10-mg intramuscular metoclopramide prior to operation. After cesarean, the participants recorded the first flatus, defecation, feeling of hunger, feeding and ambulation in a questionnaire, and also their sense of bloating in a visual analog scale under supervision of a research assistant. The data was analyzed by SPSS 17, t test, and chi-square, while p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The interval between cesarean and the first flatus (p < 0.0001), defecation (p < 0.0001), feeling of hunger (p < 0.0001), feeding (p = 0.007), and ambulation (p < 0.0001) were significantly shorter in the metoclopramide group. In addition, polytomous logistic regression analysis showed the metoclopramide group had less bloating with significant difference (OR = 2.83 and CI 1.91-4.21). CONCLUSIONS: Our study proved the functionality of metoclopramide in preventing ileus. As this drug is safe, tolerable, harmless, inexpensive and available, and also no definite method has been developed to prevent ileus after cesarean; yet, metoclopramide could be considered as a suitable option. Certainly with regard to some limitations in our study, further comprehensive studies are still required to ensure validity of the obtained results.

Effects of continuous use of Entonox in comparison with intermittent method on obstetric outcomes: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Entonox (N2O2) which is an inhalational gas for relieving labor pain is commonly used intermittently; however some women are interested in continuous breathing in face mask. So we decided to compare the complications induced by two methods to find out whether it is safe to permit the mothers to use Entonox continuously or not. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed in Mobini Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. 50 parturients used Entonox intermittently and 50 cases used it continuously during labor. Then obstetrical outcomes were analyzed in two groups by spss 17 software, t-test, and Chi(2) while P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: This study showed the mean duration of second stage of labor had no significant difference (P = 0.3). Perineal laceration was less in continuous group significantly (P = 0.04). Assisted vaginal birth was not different significantly (P = 0.4). Uterine atony had no significant difference in two groups (P = 0.2). Maternal collaboration in pushing and satisfaction were higher in continuous group significantly (P = 0.03), (P < 0.0001). Apgar score of neonates at first and fifth minute was acceptable and not different significantly in two groups (P = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated continuous method is also safe. So, it seems reasonable to set mothers free to choose the desired method of Entonox usage.