The relationship between sexual function and emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to health centers in Yazd.

BACKGROUND: Sexual function is affected by many psychological factors and emotions. The impact of emotion management varies in different fertility situationsThis can affect women's sexual function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual function and emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to health centers in Yazd. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a correlational study that was performed on 165 women with inclusion criteria and referred to 4 selected health centers in Yazd in 2017. The study tools include demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index sexual function, and Bar-On emotional intelligence. The fertility status of women in the present study included a history of infertility, number of children, and history of abortion. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistical methods and analytical tests with SPSS software version 18. RESULTS: The mean score of all components of emotional intelligence except the components of self-expression, independence, and emotional self-awareness and also the total score of emotional intelligence infertile people was significantly higher than infertile people (P < 0.05). Regarding the relationship between emotional intelligence and sexual function in terms of fertility variables, a significant correlation was observed between the mean scores of all components of emotional intelligence except interpersonal relationships, flexibility, responsibility, empathy, and self-expression with sexual performance score in fertile individuals.(P = 0.000). Conclusion: As a result, it is suggested that the institutions in charge of women's affairs try to increase emotional intelligence and improve women's sexual function by holding workshops and classes for women, especially in women with infertility, childlessness, and history of abortion.

Fabrication of (Zr,Ti)B2-ZrN-BN composites through reactive spark plasma sintering of ZrB2 and TiN.

Mechanical properties and sintering behavior of additive-free and TiN-doped ZrB2 ceramics were studied. Reactive spark plasma sintering method was applied for manufacturing of ceramics at 1850 °C for 6 min under 40 MPa. The impact of TiN addition on the microstructure evaluation, densification, and mechanical feathers was investigated. A porous monolithic ZrB2 with a relative density of 76.5 % was manufactured, while the introduction of 5 wt% TiN resulted in enhancement of relative density to 93.1 %. The formation of (Zr,Ti)B2 solid solution and in-situ h-BN and ZrN phases was proven by microstructural assessments and X-ray diffractometry. Minimizing the grain growth and improving the densification, as the results of TiN addition, led to enhancement in mechanical properties. The values of bending strength, fracture toughness, and Vickers hardness boosted from 187.6 MPa, 1.9 MPa.m½, and 10.1 GPa for additive-free ZrB2 to 606.5 MPa, 4.5 MPa.m½, and 18.8 GPa for (Zr,Ti)B2-ZrN-BN composite.

Investigating the relationship between the dimensions of mindfulness and maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Maternal attachment to the fetus is a term used to describe the emotional relationship between mother and fetus. This emotional connection increases during pregnancy and is reflected in her feelings, perceptions, and behaviors. Mindfulness is important as one of the factors affecting the mental health of people during pregnancy. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between the dimensions of mindfulness and maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was performed on 500 pregnant mothers referred to health centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The samples were entered into the study by available sampling method and if they had inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria. The research instruments were the Fetal Attachment Questionnaire and the Bauer Mindfulness Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: The results of the data showed that there was no significant relationship between the overall score of mindfulness and the overall score of maternal attachment to the fetus (P = 0.62). While from the dimensions of mindfulness such as "action with awareness" there was a significant negative relationship (P = 0.03) with maternal attachment to the fetus and a significant positive relationship "observation" with maternal attachment to the fetus (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, there is a relationship between maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy and a number of dimensions of mindfulness. For this purpose, since mindfulness can increase the mother's interactions with the fetus, and this interaction begins during pregnancy and with the mother's attachment to the fetus, it is important to pay attention to this.

Anticancer Effect of Cisplatin-Loaded Poly (Butylcyanoacrylate) Nanoparticles on A172 Brain Cancer Cells Line

Background: Drug delivery systems have been designed to achieve targeted delivery and control the release rate of the drugs. A serious challenge associated with drug delivery systems is the presence of the blood-brain barrier which limits drugs penetration. In the current study, the effects of cisplatin nanoparticles on A172 brain cancer cell line were investigated. Methods: Cisplatin nanoparticles were produced by miniemulsion polymerization technique and their properties were evaluated. Drug release assay was performed to characterize the nanoparticles' properties. Here, we examined the effects of cisplatin nanoparticles and free form of cisplatin on A172 cancer cell line. MTT assay was performed for different concentrations of the drug. To measure the apoptosis rate in A172 cell line in the presence of cisplatin nanoparticles or its free from, Annexin V staining method was used. Results: Our results indicated that loading type of cisplatin was physical loading and only 4.7% of cisplatin was released after 68 h. Furthermore, MTT assay showed that cisplatin nanoparticles in all concentrations had more cytotoxic effects on the cells comparing with the free form of cisplatin and control groups. We also showed that cisplatin nanoparticles could increase apoptosis in cancer cells more than the drug in the free form by using flow cytometry technique. Conclusion: Overall, these findings proved that cisplatin loaded on poly (Butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles, was more efficient than the free form of cisplatin in treating A172 cancer cell line.

Effect of Breathing Technique of Blowing on the Extent of Damage to the Perineum at the Moment of Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: One of the important tasks in managing labor is the protection of perineum. An important variable affecting this outcome is maternal pushing during the second stage of labor. This study was done to investigate the effect of breathing technique on perineal damage extention in laboring Iranian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 166 nulliparous pregnant women who had reached full-term pregnancy, had low risk pregnancy, and were candidates for vaginal delivery in two following groups: using breathing techniques (case group) and valsalva maneuver (control group). In the control group, pushing was done with holding the breath. In the case group, the women were asked to take 2 deep abdominal breaths at the onset of pain, then take another deep breath, and push 4-5 seconds with the open mouth while controlling exhalation. From the crowning stage onward, the women were directed to control their pushing, and do the blowing technique. RESULTS: According to the results, intact perineum was more observed in the case group (P = 0.002). Posterior tears (Grade 1, 2, and 3) was considerably higher in the control group (P = 0.003). Anterior tears (labias) and episiotomy were not significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that breathing technique of blowing can be a good alternative to Valsalva maneuver in order to reduce perineal damage in laboring women.