Pregnancy with Intrauterine Device Perforation: A Case Report.

Although intrauterine devices (IUDs) are known for their low failure rate in pregnancy prevention, potential risks associated with their use include uterine perforation and migration through the abdomen. In this particular case, the patient experienced simultaneous IUD failure and perforation, with the device becoming embedded in an omentum. A 28-year-old woman who was 39 weeks plus one day gestation presented for caesarean section. During the caesarean section, it was discovered that the IUD had entered the omentum through a hole in the posterior part of the uterus. The result of the birth was a live boy. IUD perforation is most commonly observed during the insertion procedure; however, it may rarely occur at a later stage. IUD perforations are frequently asymptomatic and remain undetected until follow-up assessments are conducted or clinical manifestations become apparent. The presence of gastrointestinal symptoms is commonly observed in cases with intraperitoneal migration of the IUD. Although the occurrence of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fever with a missing IUD are indicative, they may not always be present. Nonspecific signs and symptoms lead to misdiagnosis and the consequent delay in initiating appropriate treatment. In the present case, the co-occurrence of IUD embedded in the omentum and pregnancy posed a challenge due to the device's rapid and imprecise shift, which complicated its accurate localisation. In such scenarios, ultrasonographic guidance can serve as a valuable tool to enhance accuracy and decrease adverse outcomes.

Molecular-scale mechanisms of CO2 mineralization in nanoscale interfacial water films.

The calamitous impacts of unabated carbon emission from fossil-fuel-burning energy infrastructure call for accelerated development of large-scale CO2 capture, utilization and storage technologies that are underpinned by a fundamental understanding of the chemical processes at a molecular level. In the subsurface, rocks rich in divalent metals can react with CO2, permanently sequestering it in the form of stable metal carbonate minerals, with the CO2-H2O composition of the post-injection pore fluid acting as a primary control variable. In this Review, we discuss mechanistic reaction pathways for aqueous-mediated carbonation with carbon mineralization occurring in nanoscale adsorbed water films. In the extreme of pores filled with a CO2-dominant fluid, carbonation reactions are confined to angstrom to nanometre-thick water films coating mineral surfaces, which enable metal cation release, transport, nucleation and crystallization of metal carbonate minerals. Although seemingly counterintuitive, laboratory studies have demonstrated facile carbonation rates in these low-water environments, for which a better mechanistic understanding has come to light in recent years. The overarching objective of this Review is to delineate the unique underlying molecular-scale reaction mechanisms that govern CO2 mineralization in these reactive and dynamic quasi-2D interfaces. We highlight the importance of understanding unique properties in thin water films, such as how water dielectric properties, and consequently ion solvation and hydration behaviour, can change under nanoconfinement. We conclude by identifying important frontiers for future work and opportunities to exploit these fundamental chemical insights for decarbonization technologies in the twenty-first century.

Melatonin attenuates chemical-induced cardiotoxicity.

Environmental chemicals and drugs can induce cardiotoxicity, mainly by generating free radicals. Reactive oxygen species play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiac tissue injury. This highlights a need for prevention of cardiotoxicity by scavenging free radicals. Melatonin has been shown to act as a protector against various conditions in which free radicals cause molecular and tissue injury. Some of the mechanisms by which melatonin operates as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant have been identified. The importance of endogenous melatonin in cardiovascular health and the benefits of melatonin supplementation in different cardiac pathophysiological disorders have been shown in a variety of model systems. Melatonin continues to attract attention for its potential therapeutic value for cardiovascular toxicity. The therapeutic potential of melatonin in treatment of cardiotoxicities caused by various chemicals along with suggested molecular mechanisms of action for melatonin is reviewed.

Regenerative Effect of Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Thioacetamide-induced Liver Fibrosis of Rats.

The present study determined the regenerative effect of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) on thioacetamide (TA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham control and treatment groups. The rats of the sham control group were subdivided into three groups and sampled on the 14th, 18th, and 20th weeks after fibrosis induction. The rats of the treatment group were subdivided into two groups and sampled on the 4th and 6th weeks after BMSCs treatment. Fibrosis was induced by the intraperitoneal administration of 200 mg/kg of TA twice a week for a period of 14 weeks. All the animals underwent liver function tests and histopathologic evaluation 4 and 6 weeks after BMSCs transplantation. The BMSCs were characterized using osteogenic induction and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The BMSCs were plastic adherent, spindle-shaped, and positive for osteogenic differentiation. They expressed CD73 and were negative for CD45. The infiltration of inflammatory cells and deposition of collagen fibers were noticed after TA administration. A significant decline in inflammatory cells and a healing process were detected 4 weeks after cell transplantation. The amelioration in hepatic tissue was significant 6 weeks after cell therapy. Following the injection of BMSCs, a nonsignificant decrease was visible in aspartate transaminase level; however, this decline was significant for alanine aminotransferase level. The alkaline phosphatase and albumin levels showed an increasing trend after cell administration. The transplantation of BMSCs resulted in a significant regenerative effect after hepatic injuries. Therefore, it was shown that BMSCs transplantation can open a new window and be a therapy of choice in the amelioration of liver fibrosis.

Comparison of Renal Growth, Proteinuria and Graft Survival between Recipients of Pediatric and Adult Cadaveric Kidney Transplants.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of cadaveric kidney donors has prompted transplant teams to expanding the donor selection criteria. The usage of pediatric cadaveric kidneys is one of those expanded criteria. But the main concern is the probability of hyperfiltration syndrome due to small renal mass of pediatric donors. OBJECTIVE: To compare the graft and patient survivals, post-transplantation complications, rate and severity of proteinuria secondary to hyperfiltration injury and the kidney growth of recipients who underwent transplantation from adult (group 1) and pediatric deceased donors (group 2). METHODS: In this historical cohort study, each group contains 36 patients. Outcome measures included patient and graft survivals, quality of graft function as assessed by serum creatinine (SCr) and estimated GFR (eGFR), surgical complications, proteinuria that was detected by routine urinalysis and then confirmed by a 24-h urine protein >150 mg, blood pressure, and kidney length and volume measured by early and follow-up ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean donor age in groups 1 and 2 was 36 and 6.5 years, respectively. 9 (25%) kidneys taken from pediatric donors (group 2) were offered en-bloc. The mean follow-up was 28 month. The two groups were not significantly different in terms of the incidence of DGF, rate of acute rejection, 1-year graft survival, SCr and eGFR levels, rates of surgical complications requiring surgical interventions, development of proteinuria, and rate of post-transplantation rise in blood pressure. The mean±SD kidney length within 24 hours of transplantation was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 recipients (112±14 vs. 75±12 mm; p=0.001), but the rate of increase in kidney length in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1 recipients (43±4 vs. 10±2 mm; p=0.002) during the follow-up period. 80% of the increase in the kidney size was observed during the first 12 months of surgery; another 20% happened between 12 and 18 months. CONCLUSION: We found that obligatory and compensatory growth of pediatric kidney donors can overcome the concern of hyperfiltration syndrome and that the outcome is the same as adult donors.

First identification of Sarcocystis hominis in Iranian traditional hamburger.

Zoonotic concerns of cattle sarcocystosis are of importance, because humans are the final host for Sarcocystis hominis. Therefore the meat products containing beef may encompass sarcocysts which endanger food safety. In this study, we described the first report of molecular identification of S. hominis in Iranian traditional hamburgers using PCR-RFLP. Throughout a pilot research that was carried out to setup a molecular approach to identify the Sarcocystis spp., using PCR-RFLP, a sample of raw Iranian traditional hamburger was purchased from a street food seller located in Yazd, central Iran in May 2013. DNA extraction was done, by salting out method; briefly, the sample was lysed with NET buffer. The DNA purification and precipitation was then performed. Amplicon and digestion results were analyzed, using gel agarose electrophoresis. The results showed a PCR product with 926 bp in length after amplification and 376 and 550 bp in length after digestion. This product was identified as S. hominis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. hominis infection in Iranian hamburger.

The Healing Effect of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Full-thickness Femoral Articular Cartilage Defects of Rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Articular cartilage defect can lead to degradation of subchondral bone and osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVE: To determine the healing effect of transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) in full-thickness femoral articular cartilage defects in rabbit. METHODS: 12 rabbits were equally divided into cell-treated and control groups. In cell-treated group, 2×10(6) cells of third passage suspended in 1 mL of DMEM was injected into articular defect. The control group just received 1 mL of DMEM. Dulbecco's modified Eagles medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% penicillin and streptomycin and 2 mM L-glutamine were used for cell culture. To induce cartilage defect, 4 mm articular cartilage full-thickness defect was created in the knee. For histological evaluation in each group (H&E, safranin-O and toluidine blue), 3 rabbits were sacrificed 4 weeks and 3 animals, 8 weeks after cell transplantation. RESULTS: In cell therapy group post-transplantation, no abnormal gross findings were noticed. Neo-formed tissues in cell-treated groups were translucent with a smooth and intact surface and less irregularity. In cell-treated group after 8 weeks post-transplantation, the overall healing score of experimental knees were superior when compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: We showed that Ad-MSCs, as an available and non-invasive produced source of cells, could be safely administered in knee osteochondral defects.

Fluorescence Determination of Warfarin Using TGA-capped CdTe Quantum Dots in Human Plasma Samples.

In this study, some effort has been performed to provide low temperature, less time consuming and facile routes for the synthesis of CdTe quantum dots using ultrasound and water soluble capping agent thioglycolic acid. TGA-capped CdTe quantum dots were characterized through x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The prepared quantum dots were used for warfarin determination based on the quenching of the fluorescence intensity in aqueous solution. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range of quantum dots fluorescence intensity versus the concentration of warfarin was 0.1-160.0 µM, with the correlation coefficient of 0.9996 and a limit of detection of 77.5 nM. There was no interference to coexisting foreign substances. The selectivity of the sensor was also tested and the results show that the developed method possesses a high selectivity for warfarin.

The significance of chest ultrasound and chest X-ray in the diagnosis of children clinically suspected of pneumonia.

Background. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most prevalent diseases and a significant determinant of morbidity and death global. This study intended to compare and evaluate the benefits and importance of chest X-ray and chest ultrasound in the investigation of CAP in children. Methods. Study Population. One hundred children of one-month to five-years of age who suggested to the Children's Hospital in Bandar Abbas for pneumonia were evaluated by chest ultrasound and chest X-ray by different radiologists. Results. Evidence of involvement was recognized in 96% of the chest X-rays of those children, and also in 9% of the chest ultra-ultrasounds (6% opacity, 3% effusion). Pleural effusion was recognized in three of the children only by ultrasound. Conclusion. The utilization of ultrasound is a suitable method to estimate the complication of pneumonia.

Protective effects of Cornus mas fruit extract on carbon tetrachloride induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Oxidative damage is implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney injury. Cornus mas is used for in renal aliments traditionally in Iran. The present study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of C. mas fruit extract (CMFE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treated oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats. Forty two male albino rats were divided into seven groups. Group I served as a sham; Group II served as a normal control; Group III served as a toxic control, with CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight; 80% in olive oil); Groups IV and V received CMFE at doses of 300 and 700 mg/kg before CCl4 injection; Groups VI and VII received extract at same doses orally at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after CCl4 intoxication. CCl4 injection produced a significant rise in serum markers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde along with the reduction of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismuta, catalase and glutathion peroxidase. Serum creatinine, urea and uric acid concentrations were increased whereas level of protein and albumin were reduced. Treatment of rats with different doses of fruit extract (300 and 700 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated the alterations induced with CCl4 in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defenses, biochemical and renal lesions. Based on these results, we conclude that CMFE protects kidney from oxidative stress induced by CCl4.

A preliminary randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of hydroxyzine for treating sleep bruxism in children.

This is a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of hydroxyzine for treating parent-reported sleep bruxism in children. Participants of this trial were 30 patients randomly allocated to one of the two groups in a ratio of 1:2. One group received hydroxyzine and the other group received placebo. The outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale test and Clinical Global Severity scale. Assessments occurred at baseline and at the end of week 4. The side effects of drugs were assessed using a checklist. The number of children in the hydroxyzine and placebo groups was 21 and 9, respectively. The mean age of children in the hydroxyzine and placebo groups was 8·4(s.d. = 3·3) and 6·5(s.d. = 1·5) years, respectively. Hydroxyzine more than placebo decreased bruxism score (3·8 versus 2·2). No serious adverse effect was reported. Current evidence support that hydroxyzine is effective and well tolerated for treating bruxism in children.

SNP detection in Na/K ATP-ase gene α1 subunit of bisexual and parthenogenetic Artemia strains by RFLP screening.

In order to find a marker for differentiating between a bisexual and a parthenogenetic Artemia strain, Exon-7 of the Na/K ATPase α(1) subunit gene was screened by RFLP technique. The results revealed a constant synonymous SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in digestion by the Tru1I enzyme that was consistent with these two types of Artemia. This SNP was identified as an accurate molecular marker for discrimination between bisexual and parthenogenetic Artemia. According to the Nei's genetic distance (1973), the lowest genetic distance was found between individuals from Artemia urmiana Günther 1890 and parthenogenetic populations, making the described marker the first marker to easily distinguish between these two cooccurring species.

Liquid three-phase microextraction based on hollow fiber for highly selective and sensitive determination of using an ion selective electrode.

In this paper, for the first time, a combination of hollow fiber based liquid 3-phase microextraction with a potentiometric method was applied as a highly selective and sensitive method of analysis. Desipramine, as a model compound, was extracted from a small volume in the presence of 0.10 mol L-1 NaOH (donor solution) through a thin phase of propyl benzoate inside the pores of a polypropylene hollow fiber and finally into a 10 µL acidic acceptor solution inside the hollow fiber. Two microelectrodes were designed and inserted into the two ends of a hollow fiber inside the acceptor solution. Potentiometric analysis was performed in situ within an extraction time of 15 min; the final stable signal was used for analytical application. Under the optimized conditions, an enrichment factor of 296 was achieved and the relative standard deviation (RSD%) of the method was 4.5%. The calibration curve was obtained in the range of 3.0 × 10-5 to 3.4 × 10-8 mol L-1 with a reasonable linearity (R2 > 0.9849) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.1 × 10-8 mol L-1. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was evaluated by extraction and determination of desipramine in plasma and urine samples without any special pretreatment.

A comparison of effects of ABVD and ChlVPP chemotherapeutic protocols for Hodgkin's disease on rats' epididiymal and testicular tissues.

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of ABVD and ChlVPP chemotherapeutic protocols for Hodgkin's disease on the structure of testis and epididymis of male rat. After determining tolerance dose of drugs in pilot study, 24 male rats were divided to four groups: ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycine, vinblastin, dacarbazine) group, ChlVPP (chlorambucil, vinblastin, procarbazine, prednisolone) group and two control groups one for each treatment group. One half of the lethal dose for 50% of population (LD50) was used for treatment of animals in each protocol. Testes and epididymis tissues were examined for structural changes and serum testosterone level was measured by Lission (chemiluminescence method). Body weight, testis and epididymis weights, in treated rats were significantly less than their control groups specifically in ABVD group was less than ChlVPP group. Decreasing of mean diameter of seminiferous tubules, height of spermatogenic cells and diameter of epididymis in caput, corpus and cauda in ABVD group were significantly more than ChlVPP and control group. The serum testosterone level in ABVD group was significantly less than ChlVPP and control group. According to this study results, the ChlVPP had fewer impairment effects than ABVD on testis and epididymis tissue in tolerance doses on male rats' reproductive system. More clinical trial studies are suggested on Hodgkin's patients. With equal treatment effectiveness, it will be better to use the most reliable and safe treatment especially in young patients.

Comparison of lidocaine 1% and normal saline in paracervical anesthesia for decreasing of pain in curettage.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency oflidocaine with that of plain saline for paracervical pain relief during fractional curettage. The double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 150 patients presenting from 2004 to 2005 for curettage. The patients were assigned randomly in two groups to receive lidocaine 1% or normal saline. Number of patients at each group was 75 women. The pain intensity was assessed in four stages: (1) after speculum insertion, (2) during cervical dilatation, (3) during curettage and (4) 30 min after curettage completion. The pain intensity was graded as 0 to 100 according to the Likert Scale. The Mean +/- SD of pain intensity after speculum insertion, during dilatation, during curettage and 30 min after curettage in lidocaine group were 11.33 +/- 9.70, 24.93 +/- 15.36, 37.00 +/- 17.35, 6.47 +/- 6.42 and in normal saline group were 11.73 +/- 9.81, 28.20 +/- 13.19, 49.47 +/- 21.55 and 7.33 +/- 6.22, respectively. There was no significant difference between pain intensity after speculum insertion, during dilatation and during 30 min after curettage but there was a significant difference in pain intensity during curettage between lidocaine 1% group and normal saline group (p < 0.05). Normal saline is as effective as lidocaine 1% in low pain in curettage (distention of nerve capsule) but when increase pain in curettage (third time point), lidocaine 1% is more effective than normal saline. Nerve capsule distention is not the only factor for pain control in paracervical block and analgesic agent is still an important factor.

Concentration of heavy metals in different tissues of Astacus leptodactylus from Aras dam of Iran.

Due to different human activities in the vicinities of Aras dam, various pollutants such as heavy metals are entered into the reservoir and thus polluting the aquatic ecosystem. As a result, this heavy metal is accumulated in the tissues of Astacus leptodoctylus, which is considered as one the abundant species of crayfish that has got important food values and is of economic importance due to its export to other countries. In this research, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different tissues of this animal is taken into consideration. The concentration of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Ni, Co and Cr among the tissues of female and male Astacus leptodactylus has been determined. The highest concentration of Cu and Fe was found in the gills and the highest level of Zn was found in hepatopancreas. Besides, the highest Mn concentration was recognized in exoskeleton. Furthermore, no significant difference was found between the male and female crayfish in the concentration of the heavy metals in their tissues, except for the concentration of some of the metals such as Fe in some of the tissues such as hepatopancreas.

Effects of lead nitrate (PbNO3) on the glucose and cortisol hormone levels in common carp, Cyprinus carpio.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of PbNO3 exposure on variations of glucose and cortisol levels in Cyprinus carpio. Fish were subjected to two sub-lethal concentrations of PbNO3 for 14 days. Blood samples were isolated from the fish following the exposure, to measure the levels of cortisol and glucose compared to the control group. We found significant increases (p<0.05) in the levels of blood cortisol in two groups of fish after 14 days of exposure to two concentrations of PbNO3 (1.3 and 2.6 mg L (-1)) The results showed significant increases in the glucose levels of both fish groups exposed for 14 days In the later treatment, the rate of increase in group II (exposed to 2.6 mg L(-1) PbNO3) was higher than that of group I (exposed to 1.3 mg L(-1) PbNO3) (P = 0 compare to P = 0.007). Present findings attest that exposing to waterborne lead would affect the levels of both glucose and cortisol in Cyprinus carpio.

Effects of copper sulfate (CuSO4) on the levels of glucose and cortisol in common carp, Cyprinus carpio.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of CuSO4 exposure on variations of glucose and cortisol levels in Cyprinus carpio. Three replicates of 6 fish were subjected to two sub-lethal concentrations of CuSO4 (0.16 and 0.53 mg L(-1)) for 14 and 21 days. Blood samples were isolated from the fish following the exposure, to measure the levels of cortisol and glucose compared to the control group. The results showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in cortisol levels for both fish groups after 14 days of exposure, whereas, the levels of blood cortisol in both groups did not differ from that of control when the fish subjected to copper sulfate for 21 days. We found significant increases (p < 0.05) in the levels of blood glucose of two groups of fish after 14 days of exposure to two doses of CuSO4, as well as significant decrease in the blood glucose of both groups exposed for 21 days. In the later treatment, the rate of decrease in group II (exposed to 0.53 mg L(-1) CuSO4) was higher than that of group I (exposed to 0.16 mg L(-1) CuSO4) (p = 0.001 compared to p = 0.032). Our findings attest that exposing to waterborne copper would affect the levels of both cortisol and glucose, as indicators of stress response in Cyprinus carpio.

Bioaccumulation of lead nitrate in freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) tissues under aquaculture conditions.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the amount of lead in the tissue of Astacus leptodactylus especially in their muscle which the consumed part of their body. In this study the crayfish was exposed to intermediate concentration of lead nitrate (500 microg L(-1)) for periods up to 3 weeks. In the first, second and third weeks bioaccumulation in various tissues was under investigation. The data of toxicological analysis obtained by the method of atomic absorption revealed that the levels of bioaccumulation of metal are different in various tissues of this crayfish. The accumulation of the lead in gills was the highest and in muscles was lowest degree. The amount of heavy metals in the tissues of crayfish was as follow. Gills>exoskeleton>hepatopancreas (digestive glands)>digestive tract>green gland>testis and ovary>muscles.

Breast cancer risk factors in south of Islamic Republic of Iran: a case-control study.

A case-control study was carried out from April 2000 to March 2002 to investigate risk factors for breast cancer in Bandar Abbas, south Islamic Republic of Iran. Using logistic regression analysis, 168 women with pathologically confirmed primary breast cancer were compared with 504 age-matched controls. Significant risk factors were: family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative, younger age at menarche, never married, first full-term pregnancy age 30+ years and >5 full-term pregnancies. In multivariate analysis, negative history of breastfeeding was also significant. Cases and controls did not differ with regard to parity, history of abortion, oral contraceptive use, menopausal status, age at menopause, ever-use of hormone replacement therapy, history of benign breast disease or history of cigarette smoking.