COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Iranian pregnant and postpartum women: A national study.

BACKGROUND: To control the spread of COVID-19, Iran has adopted rigorous precautionary and preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable groups. Considering the effects of knowledge and attitudes about COVID-19 on adherence to preventive measures, we examined women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) from pregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum about COVID-19 during this pandemic. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 7363 women were recruited via an online questionnaire between June 23, 2021 and July 7, 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 27 questions, measuring KAP. RESULTS: Most of the participants had a good understanding of COVID-19 (Mean: 7.30 out of 9, standard deviation [SD]: 1.27), but the knowledge of the disease's main symptoms and modes of transmission was at the lowest levels. The mean attitudes score was 31.47 out of 50 (SD: 7.70). The participants had good practices against COVID-19 with a mean score of 35.48 out of 40 (SD: 3.94). To reduce anxiety and fear during the pandemic, half of our participants strongly emphasized the role of family emotional support. Income status and educational levels were the most significant variables influencing KAP (p-value ≤0.001). A correlation was found between knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.205, p-value = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings may serve to formulate awareness-raising interventions and can be a guide to health policymakers and workers such as obstetricians, clinicians, and midwives for more effective educational communication emphasizing the COVID-19 symptoms and transmission modes and rendering appropriate counseling, particularly on the importance of emotional family support during the pandemic.

Production and characterization of Ziziphus jujuba extract-loaded composite whey protein and pea protein beads based on sodium alginate-IFPG (insoluble fraction of Persian gum).

BACKGROUND: This research was aimed at the fabrication of jujube extract (JE)-loaded beads by extrusion, using whey protein isolate (WPI), chickpea protein concentrate (PPC) and a combination of two types of hydrocolloid insoluble fraction of Persian gum (IFPG) and sodium alginate (Al). RESULTS: JE-loaded beads with the highest encapsulation efficiency (10.87%) and polyphenol content (120.8 mg L-1 gallic acid) were obtained using Al-IFPG/PPC at 4 °C. The Al-IFPG, Al-IFPG/WPI and Al-IFPG/PPC beads revealed 5.66, 6.85 and 5.76 mm bead size, respectively, and almost all of them demonstrated a homogeneous and spherical structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data proved that the stable structure of the Al-IFPG beads was due to hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The thermostability of beads loaded with JE based on Al-IFPG/WPI was significantly enhanced compared to pure Al-IFPG. Texture evaluation of JE-loaded beads based on Al-IFPG incorporation with WPI revealed an increment in the hardness of beads. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the potential of Al-IFPG complex beads for the effective delivery of jujube extract via incorporation into pea and whey proteins and for the expansion of its use in products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

A comparative study of the bispecific monoclonal antibody, blinatumomab expression in CHO cells and E. coli.

The "bispecifics" market improved over the past decade due to the development of many technological platforms including bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs). The approval of blinatumomab, the most advanced bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) in clinical trials, can be a significant milestone in the development of bispecific antibodies. Both Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and E. coli strain are considered as the most widely used hosts for the large-scale production of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Since both of the economic and qualitative aspects of protein production are important in industry, selection of a suitable protein expression system is very critical. The BsAb gene was cloned into the expression vectors FC550A-1, pcDNA3.1 (+), and PET22b and 6 × His-tagged BsAb then purified on a Ni-NTA chromatography column. Both SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analysis of the purified protein demonstrated that blinatumomab was successfully expressed as a 55 kDa in both expression systems. The antigen-binding properties of blinatumomab were compared in the mammalian system versus Escherichia coli. The results showed that the purified antibody from a mammalian expression system has better binding activity than the one from E. coli host.

Influence of high-dose oral erythromycin on feeding intolerance in preterm neonates: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Feeding intolerance is a common complication in preterm neonates and is responsible for prolonged hospitalization. This study aimed at assessing the effects of high-dose oral erythromycin on feeding intolerance in preterm infants. Methods: A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed during 2014 and 2015 (Tehran-Iran). Preterm neonates aged >14 days, who met the feeding intolerance criteria were selected for the study and their medical records were randomly assigned into 2 groups by simple randomization. Infants in group A received 10 mg/kg oral erythromycin every 6 hours for 2 days, followed by 4 mg/kg oral erythromycin every 6 hours for 5 days; and infants in group B received placebo with the same route. The number of days until reaching complete oral feeding, day of discharge from NICU, and complications related to intervention were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. Independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney, Fischer exact test, and Chi square were used to analyze the relationships between variables. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 20 infants in group A received erythromycin and 20 infants in group B received placebo. Erythromycin could not alter the mean volume of feeding, duration of parental feeding, length of hospitalization, and frequency of feeding discontinuity (p>0.05); however, mean days to reach complete feeding in group A was significantly shorter than in group B (9.80 vs. 16.80 days; p=0.001). Conclusion: High-dose erythromycin as a rescue measure with no potential adverse effect is beneficial in reducing the time taken to achieve full enteral feeding. However, more extensive investigations are needed to determine the best administration dosage.

The efficacy of early iron supplementation on postpartum depression, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Evaluating early iron supplementation in non-anemic mothers with postpartum depression (PPD). METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 70 mothers with PPD. One week after delivery, the mothers were randomly allocated in the iron-treated (50 mg elemental iron/daily) and placebo-treated groups. After 6 weeks, the improvement of PPD symptoms was compared between the groups. RESULTS: Ferritin significantly increased in the iron-treated group (p < 0.001), but not in the placebo group (p = 0.09). After intervention, ferritin was higher in the iron-treated group (medians: 78.2 vs. 37 mg/dl, p = 0.01). The rate of iron deficiency significantly decreased in the iron-treated group (p = 0.009), but not in the placebo group (p = 0.4). After intervention, the rate of iron deficiency was higher in the placebo group (31.4 vs. 8.5 %, p = 0.01). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score significantly decreased in the iron-treated group (p < 0.001), but not in the placebo group (p = 0.13). After intervention, the EPDS score was lower in the iron-treated group (medians 9 vs. 12, p = 0.01). The improvement rate for PPD was significantly higher in the iron-treated group (42.8 vs. 20 %, p = 0.03). After intervention, mothers with continued PPD had lower ferritin than the improved mothers (41.8 vs. 67 mg/dl, p = 0.03). Mothers with continued depression had higher rate of iron deficiency compared to the improved mothers (27.1 vs. 4.5 %, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Early iron supplementation in mothers with PPD significantly improves the iron stores and causes a significant improvement in PPD with a 42.8 % improvement rate during 6 weeks. Continued PPD might be related to the lower postpartum ferritin levels in untreated mothers.

Vaginal misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin for the management of second-trimester pregnancies with intrauterine fetal death: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare vaginal misoprostol versus intravenous (i.v.) oxytocin in the management of pregnancies with second-trimester intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 85 pregnant women with IUFD and unripe cervix who were admitted for labor induction. Forty were randomly allocated to receive 200 mcg vaginal misoprostol every 12 h, and 45 were randomly assigned to receive high-dose i.v. oxytocin (starting from 6 mU/min to reach the maximum dose of 40 mU/min). This study is registered at www.irct.ir (IRCT201307159568N5). RESULTS: The induction-to-delivery interval in the misoprostol group (10.5 ± 5.3 [range 4-27] h) was significantly lower than that in the oxytocin group (14 ± 6.8 [range 4-30] h) (P = 0.009). The total hospital stay in the misoprostol group (22.6 ± 9.5 [range 12-48] h) was significantly lower than that in the oxytocin group (35.3 ± 16.4 [range 12-72] h) (P = 0.000). Although the successful induction rate was higher in the misoprostol group, this was not significant (95% vs 86.7%, P = 0.1). Placenta retention occurred more in the oxytocin group (20% vs 5%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Both vaginal misoprostol and high-dose i.v. oxytocin are highly effective in labor induction in second-trimester pregnancies with IUFD and an unripe cervix. However, vaginal misoprostol seems to be superior to i.v. oxytocin.

Asymptomatic Isolated Retroperitoneal Castleman's Disease: A Case Report.

Castleman's disease, giant lymph node hyperplasia, is a kind of benign lymphoproliferative disease with gentle behavior. Its etiology and prevalence are unclear. This rare disease is usually found in mediastinal area asymptomatically and incidentally. It is also rare to see this tumor in the retroperitoneum. In this study, we have introduced a 34-year-old woman who referred just with occasional abdominal pain caused by compressive symptoms. Laboratory findings only reported microcytic anemia (MCH: 18.5, MCV: 63, Hemoglobin 10.2 g/dl). Chest and abdominal X-ray imaging showed no remarkable point. In abdominal ultrasonography, a solid and firm tumor with 12.2×5.3×6.6 cm was reported in patient's retroperitoneum. Patient's surgery was done and the tumor (covered by a fibrous thick capsule, with no bizarre appearance and bleeding) was completely removed. Pathologic examination indicated a Castleman's tumor, type of unicentric and hyaline-vascular. This item had been one of the rare reported items of Castleman's disease in the retroperitoneal space.

Facile synthesis of Persian gum-graphene oxide composite as a novel adsorbent for CO2 capture: characterization and optimization.

Burning fossil fuels releases toxic gases into the environment and has negative effects on it. In this study, Persian gum@Graphene oxide (Pg@GO) was synthesized and used as a novel adsorbent for CO2 capture. The characterization of materials was determined through XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, and TGA analysis. The operating parameters including temperature, Pressure, and adsorbent weight were studied and optimized by response surface methodology via Box-Behnken design (RSM-BBD). The highest amount of CO2 adsorption capacity was 4.80 mmol/g, achieved at 300 K and 7.8 bar and 0.4 g of adsorbent weight. To identify the behavior and performance of the Pg@GO, various isotherm and kinetic models were used to fit with the highest correlation coefficient (R2) amounts of 0.955 and 0.986, respectively. The results proved that the adsorption of CO2 molecules on the adsorbent surface is heterogeneous. Based on thermodynamic results, as the value of ΔG° is - 8.169 at 300 K, the CO2 adsorption process is exothermic, and spontaneous.

Improving physicochemical, rheometry and sensory attributes of fortified beverages using jujube alcoholic/aqueous extract loaded Gellan-Protein macrocarriers.

The use of phenolic bioactive substances in beverages is introduced by novel techniques as a functional food product. Gel beads from jujube extract were prepared by extrusion method using encapsulation and coated by whey protein isolate and soy protein isolate and thus, a functional beverage was prepared from these beads. There were three types of beads, including Gellan, Gellan/whey protein isolate and Gellan/soy protein isolate. The pH, acidity, Brix, turbidity, viscosity and sensory properties were evaluated. Observing the increase in pH is the result of the release of small amounts of fruit extract, the effect of which can be seen in the inverse relationship of acidity next to pH. The results demonstrate that the highest viscosity is related to protein beverages, especially Gellan gum/SPI beads' beverage. Hence, the highest turbidity in Gellan gum/SPI beads' beverage was visible on the 14th day (66.6 NTU). Thereby, there is potential for these Gellan beads beverages with suitable sensory scores to be wholly utilized and developed with the aim of this study. Along with it, this new beverage can attract the opinion of a wide range of consumers. Therewith, the industrialization of such types of products helps to improve the consumer market.

Phytoextraction of copper from copper waste rock by Tagetes sp.

Due to the ongoing scarcity of copper resources globally, the extraction of copper from waste rocks has become an unavoidable necessity. This study investigated the phytoextraction of copper from low-grade chalcocite (LGC) ore using Tagetes sp. Therefore, the LGC and the garden soil mixtures, with different percentages, were utilized to achieve the optimum condition in 4 weeks. Mixing 50% LGC with 50% soil results in the best uptake value and translocation factor (TF) of 0.42 mg and 1.02, with shoot and root weights of 3.78 and 1.02 g, respectively. However, the highest BCFShoot (bio-concentration factor) and BCFRoot values are 0.65 and 1.66, with shoot and root weights of 2.65 g and 0.5 g, respectively, using 25% LGC + 75% soil. Therefore, at the proportion of 25% of the LGC, it can be concluded that the plant is a moderate accumulator and hyperaccumulator, respectively, for the shoot and root. Both proportions of 25% of the LGC and 50% of the LGC can be selected as optimum conditions for the mixture. If the target is the highest Cu accumulation in the above-ground tissues, the mixture containing 50% LGC should be selected. However, if harvesting the plant roots is possible, the mixture of 25% LGC + 75% soil has a better result because of the highest Cu concentration in the roots. Hence, Tagetes sp. exhibits the capability for extracting copper from low-grade chalcocite.

The effect of olanzapine on spatial memory impairment, depressive-like behavior, pain perception, and BDNF and synaptophysin expression following childhood chronic unpredictable mild stress in adult male and female rats.

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) method has been introduced as a rodent model of depression. On the other hand, olanzapine, as an antipsychotic, can induce antidepressant and antipsychotic effects. Also, olanzapine may improve cognitive functions. Both CUMS and olanzapine can also affect the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptophysin, the molecular factors involved in synaptic function, and learning and memory. In this study, we investigated the effect of olanzapine on locomotor activity (using open field test), pain threshold (using hot plate), depressive-like behavior (using forced swim test), spatial learning and memory (using Morris water maze), and BDNF and synaptophysin hippocampal expression (using real-time PCR) in both male and female CUMS rats. CUMS was performed for three consecutive weeks. Olanzapine was also injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 5 mg/kg. Our data showed that olanzapine can reverse the effects of CUMS on behavioral functions and BDNF and synaptophysin expression levels in the hippocampus of both males and females. It was also shown that olanzapine effects on spatial memory, pain perception, and BDNF and synaptophysin level were stronger in females than males. In conclusion, we suggested that the therapeutic effects of olanzapine in CUMS rats may be closely related to the function of BDNF and synaptophysin. Also, the therapeutic effects of olanzapine may be stronger in females. Therefore, and for the first time, we showed that there may be a sex difference in the effects of olanzapine on behavioral and molecular changes following CUMS.

Maternal education and its influence on child growth and nutritional status during the first two years of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The first 1000 days of life are critical for a child's health and development. Impaired growth during this period is linked to increased child morbidity, mortality, and long-term consequences. Undernutrition is the main cause, and addressing it within the first 1000 days of life is vital. Maternal education is consistently identified as a significant predictor of child undernutrition, but its specific impact remains to be determined. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the influence of high versus low maternal education levels on child growth from birth to age two, using population-based cohort studies. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, ERIC, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1990 to January 2024 using appropriate search terms. We included population-based cohort studies of healthy children aged two years and under and their mothers, categorizing maternal education levels. Child growth and nutritional outcomes were assessed using various indicators. Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction and assessed study quality. The Newcastle Ottawa scale was utilized for quality assessment. Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I2 statistic. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed, and publication bias was evaluated. Findings: The literature search retrieved 14,295 titles, and after full-text screening of 639 reports, 35 studies were included, covering eight outcomes: weight for age z-score (WAZ), height for age z-score (HAZ), BMI for age z-scores (BMIZ), overweight, underweight, stunting, wasting, and rapid weight gain. In middle-income countries, higher maternal education is significantly associated with elevated WAZ (MD 0.398, 95% CI 0.301-0.496) and HAZ (MD 0.388, 95% CI 0.102-0.673) in children. Similarly, in studies with low-educated population, higher maternal education is significantly linked to increased WAZ (MD 0.186, 95% CI 0.078-0.294) and HAZ (0.200, 95% CI 0.036-0.365). However, in high-income and highly educated population, this association is either absent or reversed. In high-income countries, higher maternal education is associated with a non-significant lower BMI-Z (MD -0.028, 95% CI -0.061 to 0.006). Notably, this inverse association is statistically significant in low-educated populations (MD -0.045, 95% CI -0.079 to -0.011) but not in highly educated populations (MD 0.003, 95% CI -0.093 to 0.098). Interpretation: Maternal education's association with child growth varies based on country income and education levels. Further research is needed to understand this relationship better. Funding: This study was a student thesis supported financially by Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).

Performance of spray-dried Ziziphus jujuba extract using insoluble fraction of Persian gum-sodium alginate and whey protein: Microstructural and physicochemical attributes of micro- and nano-capsules.

The study focused on the impact of the insoluble fraction of Persian gum-sodium alginate and a blend of the insoluble fraction of Persian gum-sodium alginate (IFPG-Al) with whey protein isolate (WPI) on sprayed Ziziphus jujuba extract (JE) powder. The addition of whey protein led to powders with higher moisture (10%), higher solubility (99.19%), and lower powder yield (27.82%). The powders fabricated with WPI depicted the best protection of polyphenolic compounds (3933.4 mg/L) and the highest encapsulation efficiency activity (74.84%). Additionally, they had a higher T g (62.63°C), which indicates more stability of the powders during shelf life. The sphericity of the majority of the particles was noticeable in powders, but multi-sided concavities were visible in the protein-containing particles. Based on the particle size's results, IFPG-Al/WPI capsules fabricated relatively smaller particles (2.54 µm). It can be acknowledged that the presence of protein in particles can bring fruitful results by preserving valuable bioactive compounds.

Data collection and outcome measurement in student counseling services in Irish higher education institutions: Counselors' views on challenges and facilitators.

With increasing concerns around student mental health, student counseling services (SCSs) in higher education are being challenged to show evidence of their contribution to the personal and academic development of students through evidence-based approaches including systematic data collection and standardized outcome measurement. This study aims to document data collection and measurement processes in SCSs in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ireland and to explore the opinions of staff in SCSs on the feasibility and functionality of a standardized national database for SCSs to enhance robust data collection and measurement across the sector. Twenty-three interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed with staff in SCSs in 22 HEIs (85% of publicly funded HEIs). Findings revealed that the process of data collection in SCSs is mainly focused on individual counseling with variations among SCSs in collecting clients' demography, presenting issues, and clinical and educational outcomes. Lack of human and financial resources, no access to an electronic data management system, negative opinions about standardized outcome measures, and concerns over data protection and misuse of data were impeding factors for systematic data collection in SCSs. There is strong support among SCSs for the establishment of a national database which is facilitated by secured funding from the Higher Education Authority, a strong sense of community and trust among student counselors, and a history of data collection through the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland association. Findings offer insights into challenges and facilitators for robust data collection and measurement at a national level. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

History of Small for Gestational Age at Birth With Verbal and Non-verbal Intelligence: A Case-Control Study Among Preschool Children.

Objective: Advances in technology and treatments have improved the survival rate of small for gestational age (SGA) infants that need more concern for their neurodevelopmental outcomes. In the present study, we hypothesized that a history of SGA may affect verbal and non-verbal intelligence indices among pre-school children. Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Tehran-Iran, 2020). Totally 232 children entered the study. An expert pediatrician examined all included subjects. Based on birth weight (extracted from medical records), participants were divided into the case (born SGA) and control (born Appropriate for gestational age (AGA)) groups. Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC) and Conners tests were implemented to assess intelligence quotient (IQ), verbal, attention, development, and executive functions. Finally, total scores were compared between groups. Results: Totally, 232 preschool children were included in the study. Of all, 114 (49.1%) and 118 (50.9%) subjects had the history of born SGA and AGA, respectively. The results related to WISC scores showed that the mean WISC-verbal score among children born SGA was significantly higher than children born AGA; (114.288±18.130 vs. 108.898±20.145; P=0.024). This significant difference was associated with Vocabulary (13.531±2.843 vs. 12.745±3.242; p=0.046) and Similarities (14.054±3.630 vs. 13.279±4.898; p=0.048) domains between the groups. The results related to different domains of the Conners test also showed that the mean scores of Inattention (B) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder score (D) in the case group were higher than these scores in the control group; however, these differences were not significant (4.929±3.511 vs. 4.906±4.300; p=0.495 &10.371±5.867 vs. 10.093±7.588; p=0.211). Conclusion: Our results indicated that the development of non-verbal intelligence in children born with SGA had been delayed. This finding shows that these children may need more consideration during the preschool period and after that.

Improving the health status of Afghan mothers living in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Background: The healthcare system of the Islamic Republic of Iran provides special maternal health care services for mothers, regardless of their nationality. Aim: This study, supported by the United Nations Population Fund, was conducted to review available data associated with health indicators of Afghan mothers living in Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: This descriptive study used data from the electronic registration system of the Maternal Health Office of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education on characteristics, morbidity and mortality among Afghan mothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran from 2017 to 2019. The data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Based on the results, we propose interventions to improve health services for vulnerable Afghan mothers. Results: There were 168 488 deliveries over the 3 years of the study (2017-2019). Deliveries by Afghan women increased from 3.4% in 2017 to 5.2% in 2019, and more than 70% of these Afghan women were vulnerable. Ten percent of deliveries among Afghan mothers were performed by traditional birth attendants. The rate of caesarean section among Afghan mothers was 30%. Maternal mortality ratio among the Afghan mothers was 43 per 100 000 for the 3 years. Conclusion: Afghan mothers in the Islamic Republic of Iran use primary health care services provided for mothers in the country. However, healthcare delivery to these mothers is inadequate, although considered better than the care provided to Afghan mothers living in Afghanistan. We recommend targeted interventions to improve the health status of Afghan women living in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Modification of sodium alginate by octenyl succinic anhydride to fabricate beads for encapsulating jujube extract.

The effect of modification of sodium alginate on the beads properties was investigated and compared with unmodified alginate beads. The effect of storage conditions on the shelf life of the beads was determined. The modification of sodium alginate was achieved with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA). Antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds of the jujube extract was evaluated. Some physical and structural properties yield and encapsulation efficiency of the beads were measured. The encapsulation yield of the beads was significantly affected by modification of sodium alginate. The highest yield was observed in the alginate stored at ambient temperature on the day 14th which was 35.21%. The average beads size of alginate was 5.10 and 4.68 mm in modified and unmodified alginate beads, respectively. Modification also had a significant effect on the hardness of the beads. Higher Tg which ensures good product stability in thermal process was clearly seen in the modified beads maintained at ambient temperature. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed the existence of OH groups in the extract-loaded beads. These findings have important implications on designing preservation and delivery systems of soluble bioactive compounds of jujube extract to apply in development of new functional foods and drinks.

Developing a national database for higher education student counselling services: the importance of collaborations.

Student counselling services are at the forefront of providing mental health support to Irish Higher Education students. Since 1996, the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education in Ireland (PCHEI) association, through their annual survey collection, has collected aggregate data for the sector. However, to identify national trends and effective interventions, a standardised non-aggregate sectoral approach to data collection is required. The Higher Education Authority funded project, 3SET, builds on the PCHEI survey through the development of a national database. In this paper, we outline the steps followed in developing the database, identify the parties involved at each stage and contrast the approach taken to the development of similar databases. Important factors shaping the development have been the autonomy of counselling services, compliance with General Data Protection Regulation, and the involvement of practitioners. This is an ongoing project with the long-term sustainability of the database being a primary objective.

Possible therapeutic effect of royal jelly on endometriotic lesion size, pain sensitivity, and neurotrophic factors in a rat model of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue. The goals of the study are: (1) Is any correlation between endometriosis pain and neurotrophins in the serum, dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and peritoneal fluid (PF) in rat models of experimental endometriosis?, (2) Possible therapeutic effects of royal jelly (RJ) on pain scores, size of endometriotic lesion, and neurotrophic factors. Forty-eight Sprague Dawley female rats weighing 205.023 ± 21.54 g were maintained in a standard condition. The rats were randomly divided into one of the six groups: Control (no intervention), Sham-1 (remove of uterine horn), RJ (administration of 200 mg/kg/day RJ for 21 days), Endometriosis (induction of endometriosis), Treatment (induction of endometriosis+administration of 200 mg/kg/day RJ for 21 days), and Sham-2 (induction of endometriosis+administration of water). Formalin test performed for pain evaluation. The levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean pain scores in all three phases of the formalin test were significantly increased by endometriosis induction (p < 0.05). The concentrations of BDNF, NGF, and CGRP in DRG of the endometriosis group were significantly higher than these factors in the Control, Sham-1, and RJ groups (p < 0.05). RJ could significantly (p < 0.001) decrease the mean lesion size and the mean pain score in the late phase (p < 0.05). The present results determine that endometriosis pain may be related to nervous system neurotrophic factors. Treatment with RJ could decrease the size of endometriosis lesions as well as pain scores. The findings may shed light on other complementary and alternative remedies for endometriosis.