Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles on Sperm Parameters in Fresh and Frozen Samples.

Background: Freezing is a crucial technique in reproductive science utilized for the preservation of sperm samples. However, the process of freezing and thawing sperm can result in detrimental effects on sperm quality. One of the major mechanisms underlying this decline in sperm quality is the generation of reactive oxygen species during the freeze process. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on frozen sperm parameters. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 8 fertile men, aged 30 to 42 years, with normozoospermia, following 3 to 5 days of abstinence. The samples were divided into fresh (n=3), freeze (n=3), and control (n=2) groups. Three fresh experimental groups were only exposed to MgO NPs with concentrations of 5, 25, and 50 µg/ml and three freezing experimental groups were frozen after being treated with MgO NPs, thawed, and analyzed after 30 min. Results: Our findings revealed that the progressive movement and vitality of sperm experienced a significant decline, while non-progressive and immotile sperm showed a notable increase in both fresh and frozen experimental groups exposed to MgO NPs. However, the application of MgO NPs during fresh and freezing processes demonstrated an effective preservation of pH, morphology, and DNA fragmentation in sperm cells. Conclusion: The analysis revealed that MgO NPs negatively impact sperm motility and viability in both fresh and freeze analysis. Also, the use of MgO NPs in fresh and frozen processes effectively maintains the pH, morphology, and fragmentation of DNA in sperm cells.

Comparison of the Effect of Fenugreek and Metformin on Clinical and Metabolic Status of Cases with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Trial.

Background: It is hypothesized that fenugreek seeds are a rich source of fiber with anti-diabetic effects, which can help to lower blood glucose in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, the clinical and metabolic effects of fenugreek were compared to those of metformin in women with PCOS aged 16-40 years. Methods: In a randomized, triple-blind, parallel clinical trial, the efficacy of fenugreek 333 mg (n=55) was compared with metformin 500 mg (n=55), both administered three times a day in women with PCOS of reproductive age. Changes in some clinical outcomes and metabolic laboratory profile outcomes were evaluated at baseline and two months after the study. Results: By the end of the intervention period, all investigated factors improved significantly in patients of both groups (p<0.05). Reduction in biometric indices (body mass index and waist-hip ratio), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and insulin resistance was significantly higher after metformin consumption (p<0.001). Metformin also significantly improved irregular menstruation (p=0.02). In contrast, fenugreek significantly improved patients' lipid profiles, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride (TG) compared to metformin (p<0.001). Both interventions improved the patient's hair loss and hirsutism. Conclusion: Fenugreek cannot substitute metformin in PCOS treatment. However, regarding its lipid-lowering ability and low frequency of adverse effects, it can be used as an adjuvant treatment in PCOS, especially in PCOS patients with hyper-lipidemia and severe hair loss.

Study of The Relationship Between 24-hour Urine Protein Excretion Rate and Protein/Creatinine Ratio in Random Urine Specimen of Women with Preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis and management of preeclampsia are very important to reduce fetal and maternal complications. In this study, we examined the ratio of protein to creatinine in a random urine sample and its relationship to the rate of 24-hour urine protein excretion for quick detection and prompt management of this condition in women with preeclampsia. METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 60 pregnant women with preeclampsia referred to the maternity ward of Ali Ebn -e Abitaleb hospital of Zahedan in 2019 were recruited. The 24-hour urine protein excretion and the ratio of protein to creatinine in a random urine sample were compared in these patients. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a positive correlation between the 24-hour urinary protein excretion and the protein to creatinine ratio of the random urine sample in preeclampsia (P < .001, r = 0.515). Women with a higher 24-hour protein excretion also had a higher urinary protein to creatinine ratio. CONCLUSION: In general, based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the ratio of protein to creatinine in the random urine sample has a good diagnostic efficiency in suspected preeclampsia. It is a quick alternative method for detecting suspicious proteinuria and could be used as a screening test in emergency situations.  DOI: 10.52547/ijkd.7457.

Does laparoscopic treatment of deep endometriosis improve sexual dysfunction.

Background: Endometriosis is one of the common gynecological problems during the reproductive years, affecting the quality of life, fertility, and sexual function of women. It is known that sexual dysfunction and quality of life are interrelated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of resection of endometriosis lesions via laparoscopic surgery on the improvement of sexual dysfunction in women with endometriosis. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 30 patients with endometriosis. The Female Sexual Function Index, Endometriosis Health Profile-30, and Visual Analog Scale were completed for the patients before laparoscopic surgery and three, six, and 12 months after surgery. The results were examined and compared before and after the intervention using the ANOVA test. Results: The present results showed that the mean pain score of the patients (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain) was significant after laparoscopic surgery (P<0.005). The female sexual function improved after laparoscopic surgery compared to the preoperative phase, and changes in the domains of psychological stimulation, humidity, and sexual orgasm were significant (P<0.005). Moreover, the female quality of life scores increased in all dimensions compared to the preoperative phase, although these improvements were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The present results revealed that laparoscopic surgery is an effective treatment, leading to a considerable improvement in female sexual function.

Trends of colorectal cancer in a central area of Iran during 2009-2014. An application of joinpoint regression.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a major public health concern. We analysed current CRC statistics in Arak, including the estimated number of new cases among males and females, age standardized rates (ASRs), and trends for cases diagnosed in the period 2009-2014. Material and methods: In this study, reported cases of CRC from 2009 through 2014 for Arak residents were obtained from the Arak cancer registry database. We used the direct method to calculate annual ASRs. Joinpoint regression was performed on the ASRs for the whole study period, and we calculated the annual percentage changes (APC). Results: 533 new CRC cases were included. The annual ASRs of CRC per 100,000 population during 2009-2014 were 13.58 (95% CI: 11.9-15.42), 16.52 (95% CI: 14.62-18.60), 15.00 (95% CI: 13.72-16.35) for females, males, and both genders, respectively. Females had an increasing trend in ASRs (APC: 10.25% and CI 95%: -0.79 to 22.53), and a slightly increasing trend was observed among males (APC = 5.03% and CI 95%: -6.14 to 17.53). Conclusions: The increasing trend was higher among females than males. These findings raise considerable concern related to a crucial growing public health problem in Arak. They were higher than the averages of ASRs in all of Iran. Furthermore, any increase in the ASRs of CRC may be due to the promotion and improvement in the quality of the cancer registry over time. It is recommended that the quality of the cancer registry is promoted more than the former.

Right-side inguinal canal endometriosis at ultrasound: A case report.

Background: The first case of inguinal endometriosis was described by Cullen. Endometriosis in the round ligament could be in the pelvic or inguinal area and is a rare disease occurring in 0.6% of women. Women with inguinal endometriosis have a painful inguinal mass during menstrual cycles and they mostly have a history of surgery. The right side is more commonly involved in inguinal endometriosis than the left side (90-94%). A history of gynecologic or abdominal surgery is common in women with inguinal endometriosis. Case presentation: In our case, a 39-yr-old virgin woman presented with localized pain in the right inguinal that had been present for 4 yr. She did not have any history of previous surgery, and abdominal ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass with minimal vascularity. Inguinal endometriosis was correctly diagnosed by two expert radiologists preoperatively, and she underwent laparoscopic surgery. Conclusion: Considering inguinal endometriosis in the differential diagnosis of women with inguinal masses is important, even if there is no history of gynecologic or abdominal surgery.

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Pregnant Women Infected with Coronavirus Based on Tracking the Results of 90-Days Data in Hazrat -E- Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of COVID-19 up to three months after the delivery in pregnant women. METHODS: This case series study was conducted on all pregnant women with COVID-19 hospitalized in Hazrat -E- Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran from March 8, 2020 to December 28, 2020. Data were included maternal age and gestational age (GA) which presenting signs and symptoms were collected at hospital admission. To confirm COVID-19 diagnosis, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests were conducted. Both the mothers and the newborns were followed up to three months after delivery. RESULTS: Fourteen pregnant women with the median age of 31.5 were enrolled. HRCT was done in twelve mothers (85.7%), and eleven mothers (78.6%) were evaluated via RT-PCR; four of them (36.36%) were positive. Two mothers (14.28%) were admitted to ICU. The cesarean section (C/S) was done following fetal distress in only three mothers due to their concerns of vertical transmission. Two mothers were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and one of them died of pneumomediastinum. Fortunately, no neonatal death was reported three months after the delivery. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 affects mothers more in the last trimester of the pregnancy. Although no fetal death was reported in the recent study, physicians should closely monitor pregnant women to reduce the adverse event .